According to the National Women’s Health Resource Center, if you live in Lubbock, El Paso, Midland-Odessa, Dallas-Fort Worth, or Amarillo you live in a “dry eye hot spot.” These five Texas cities ranked in the top 20 of the top 100 Dry Eye Hot Spots in the U.S.* The only other top 20 state with multiple cities was Arizona with two (Phoenix and Tucson).
Although this list came out in 2006 the results would likely be the same for 2015. Why? It was based on factors that included temperature, humidity, wind, altitude, pollutants and ocular allergens. With exception of pollutants, these factors are indigenous to a particular region. And pollutants have likely risen with more and more people moving to the Lone Star state each year.
Drier air, higher winds, warmer temperatures (and hotter summers) are common in Texas. Increased pollutants come into play when you consider that, in 2013, Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington was ranked the 4th largest metro area in the U.S. Allergens such as Texas ragweed grow freely over much of the state.
These and other environmental factors can contribute significantly to dry eye symptoms. Whether you live in Texas or not, if your eyes are dry, itchy, irritated, red, or even tear up often it may be where you live. Still, there are simple ways to get relief. Because even you happen to live in a dry eye hot spot, it doesn’t mean you have to live with the misery.
If you suspect you have dry eyes, it’s best to get checked out by a certified dry eye specialist who can then recommend the best course of treatment.
*Based on information from the National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration’s Climatic Data Center, and the EPA.