South Dakota’s climate is as beautiful as it is challenging – and your eyes feel the impact. From dry, cold winters to sun-filled summers, local weather conditions can cause discomfort and even contribute to long-term eye concerns.
Here’s how Sioux Falls weather affects your vision and what you can do to protect it.
The Hidden Toll of South Dakota’s Weather on Your Eyes
South Dakota’s beauty comes with a challenge – its weather swings can be tough on your eyes. In Sioux Falls, residents experience dry winters, windy springs, bright summer glare, and chilly autumn gusts. While these conditions may feel like part of everyday life, they can quietly impact eye comfort and long-term health.
Our climate’s extremes – frigid air, low humidity, intense sunlight reflecting off snow, and frequent winds – can all contribute to dry eyes, irritation, and even increased risk for certain eye conditions.
By understanding how weather affects your eyes, you can take steps to protect them and maintain comfortable, clear vision year-round.
Cold Weather and Dry Eyes: A Common Winter Struggle
Winter in Sioux Falls can be particularly harsh on the eyes. Cold outdoor air combined with indoor heating creates an extremely low-humidity environment. This lack of moisture in the air can lead to dry eyes – a condition where your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly.
Common winter dry eye symptoms include:
- Burning or stinging sensation
- Redness or irritation
- Excessive watering (your eyes may overcompensate for dryness)
- Blurred vision that improves with blinking
Wearing wraparound sunglasses or glasses outdoors can help shield your eyes from cold wind, while using a humidifier indoors can keep the air more comfortable.
Wind and Irritation: A Year-Round Concern
South Dakota’s strong winds don’t just make winter feel colder – they also dry out and irritate the eyes in every season. Wind can carry dust, pollen, and other particles into the eyes, worsening irritation. Contact lens wearers may be especially sensitive to these conditions.
To protect your eyes from wind-related irritation:
- Wear protective eyewear outdoors
- Stay hydrated to help your body maintain tear production
- Use artificial tears as needed to keep eyes moist
Sun Glare Off Snow: A Hidden Risk to Eye Health
Snow may look beautiful under a bright South Dakota sky, but it can be surprisingly harmful to your eyes. The white surface of fresh snow reflects up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays, which can increase your risk of conditions like photokeratitis (sunburn of the cornea) and long-term UV damage.
Signs of snow glare–related irritation or damage include:
- Sudden sensitivity to light
- Gritty sensation in the eyes
- Redness or tearing
- Blurred vision
Wearing sunglasses with 100% UV protection – even on cloudy days – is a simple and effective way to reduce glare and protect your eyes. Polarized lenses can be especially helpful for driving and outdoor activities.
When to Schedule an Eye Exam at The Eye Guys
While occasional dryness or irritation is normal in harsh weather, ongoing symptoms shouldn’t be ignored. Chronic dryness, persistent discomfort, or sudden changes in vision can indicate an underlying eye condition that needs professional care.
It’s a good idea to book an exam if you notice:
- Redness, burning, or itching that lasts more than a few days
- Eyes that water excessively or feel gritty
- Sensitivity to light or blurred vision
- Pain or discomfort that interferes with daily activities
An eye care professional can determine whether your symptoms are weather-related or linked to another condition such as blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction, or allergies.
Protecting Your Eyes Year-Round in Sioux Falls
You can’t change the weather in South Dakota, but you can protect your vision from its effects.
Here are a few practical steps:
- Wear protective eyewear: Sunglasses in summer and winter, plus goggles when skiing or snowmobiling
- Maintain indoor humidity: Use a humidifier during the heating season
- Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water supports healthy tear production
- Use artificial tears: Keep eyes comfortable during particularly dry or windy days
At The Eye Guys in Sioux Falls, we understand how local weather impacts eye health. Whether you’re battling winter dryness, summer glare, or year-round irritation, our eye care team is here to help keep your vision comfortable and clear.
Call us at 605-334-7737 or schedule your eye exam online.