The following article speaks on the overreaching topic of desert eye health; it encompasses the challenges and solutions for protecting eye health in a desert climate like Las Vegas. It has been medically reviewed by Dr. Kent Wellish.
As a Las Vegas resident, you enjoy nearly 300 sunny days a year. But this beautiful weather comes at a price: the desert climate can be tough on your eyes. Most days, you’re greeted by intense sunlight when you walk outside. And let’s not forget about the wind, blowing dust, and constantly blasting AC everywhere you go.
This harsh environment can cause many issues, ranging from mildly itchy eyes to severe eye conditions. By understanding how the climate impacts your eyes, you can take steps to protect your desert eye health and enjoy your time outdoors comfortably.
How the Desert Climate Affects Eye Health
Let’s face it: Living in the desert can be challenging. The blazing sun, dust storms, and dry air can make you never want to leave the comfort of your AC. These environmental factors can also take a toll on your eyes and even damage your vision.
Dry Air
Many people see the lack of humidity as one of the biggest perks of living in Las Vegas. However, dry air can cause ocular surface disease, more commonly known as dry eye syndrome.
This condition occurs when the eye doesn’t produce enough natural lubrication or tears evaporate too quickly. Dry eyes can cause uncomfortable symptoms, such as:
- Burning and irritation
- Changes in vision
- Eye strain
- Itching
- Redness
- Light and wind sensitivity
- Watery eyes
In some cases, dry eyes only cause mild burning and itching. However, more severe cases of dry eye syndrome can affect your everyday activities. For example, you may find it impossible to wear contact lenses without extreme discomfort or struggle to read a book.
Bright Sun
Las Vegas’s nearly eternal sunshine is great for your mood but not so good for your eyes. When you spend time in the sunlight, you’re exposed to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Over time, this radiation can damage the surface of your eyes, corneas, and lenses.
Exposure to UV light increases your risk of eye cancer. You may also develop a yellowish bump on the surface of your eye called a pinguecula. This noncancerous growth may be made from calcium, fat, or protein. If it grows large enough, an ophthalmologist may remove it surgically.
Long hours in the sun can lead to cataracts, too. These cloudy films develop on the eye’s crystalline lens and impair vision. Currently, this condition can only be treated by surgical removal.
Photokeratitis is another condition that can occur in the desert. It’s commonly known as snow blindness, but it’s also caused by staring directly at the sun or the reflection of sunlight from sand or water. Symptoms include:
- Blurry vision
- Swelling
- Light sensitivity
- Headache
- Seeing halos
- Twitching eyelids
Dust
Like every desert city, Las Vegas is full of dust. When the wind picks up, these small particles swirl everywhere, invading your home, your car, and even your eyes.
Luckily, most people only experience mild irritation from dust. You’ll probably blink a lot and tear up as your eye works to clear out the particles, but that’s usually the extent of it.
Sometimes, though, dust and other natural particles can scratch the eye’s surface, cut eyelids, and cause other eye injuries. These wounds can lead to infections or permanent vision damage, so seeking prompt treatment is vital. If you suspect an eye injury, call your ophthalmologist or go to the emergency room.
Tips to Protect Your Eyes in the Las Vegas Climate
The Las Vegas climate can be hard on the eyes. But don’t worry, you don’t have to move out of the desert to safeguard your vision. Just follow these expert tips to protect your eye health:
- Wear sunglasses: A wraparound pair of shades isn’t just fashionable; it’s also your best defense against harmful UV rays, dust, and the wind. Keep pairs of sunglasses in your car, your purse, and other convenient locations so you’re never caught without them.
- Stay hydrated: The desert air can leave you dehydrated, even if you’re not exercising. Drinking plenty of water will help hydrate your entire body, including your eyes.
- Run a humidifier: AC is a necessity in Las Vegas, but it can make the inside of your home very dry. Place a small humidifier in your bedroom or living room to add moisture to the air, reducing the risk of dry eyes.
- Put on a hat: Like sunglasses, a hat with a wide brim will help shield your eyes from the sun and wind.
- Don’t look at the sun: This might seem obvious, but avoid looking directly at the sun to prevent photokeratitis.
Prioritize Your Desert Eye Health
Las Vegas is a pleasant place to live, but you must take precautions to protect your eyes from the desert climate. Our simple strategies will help you stay safe and avoid dangerous eye conditions.
Regular dilated eye exams will also help detect eye issues early. Be proactive by scheduling an appointment with one of our friendly and highly experienced ophthalmologists.