Dry Eyes in Calgary: Why Alberta’s Climate Makes It Worse (and How to Find Relief)

If your eyes feel irritated, tired, or just off, especially in Calgary, you’re not imagining it. Dry eye symptoms are incredibly common here, and our local climate plays a big role.

From low humidity to long winters indoors, Calgary creates the perfect environment for dry eyes to develop (or worsen). The good news? Once you understand what’s causing it, there are effective ways to get relief.

Why Calgary Is So Tough on Your Eyes

Several factors make Calgary uniquely challenging for eye comfort:

Low Humidity

Calgary has a naturally dry climate year-round. Less moisture in the air means your tears evaporate faster, leaving your eyes feeling dry and irritated.

Higher Altitude

At higher elevations, the air holds less moisture, which is another reason your eyes can feel dry more quickly compared to more humid regions.

Chinook Winds

Those sudden warm winds might be nice for melting snow, but they’re also very dry, which can worsen symptoms almost overnight.

Indoor Heating (Long Winters)

During colder months, we spend more time inside with forced air heating, which further dries out the air and your eyes.

Dry Eye Symptoms (It’s Not Just “Dryness”)

Dry eyes don’t always feel “dry.” In fact, symptoms can vary:

• Burning or stinging sensation

• Gritty or sandy feeling

• Redness

• Watery eyes (yes, watery. This is called reflex tearing)

• Blurry or fluctuating vision

• Eye fatigue, especially with screens

If you’ve ever wondered why your eyes are watering constantly but still feel irritated, dryness is often the reason.

The Screen Time Connection

Dry eyes in Calgary are often made worse by modern habits. When you’re on a screen, your blink rate drops significantly. Sometimes by up to 50%! Less blinking means your tear film isn’t being replenished as often. Combine that with Calgary’s already dry air, and it’s a perfect storm for irritation, redness, and discomfort.

At-Home Relief That Actually Helps

While you can’t change the weather, there’s a lot you can do to improve your eye comfort.

Warm Compresses

Applying a warm compress helps unblock oil glands in your eyelids, improving tear quality and reducing evaporation.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Adding omega-3s (through diet or supplements) can support healthier tear production over time.

Humidifiers

Adding moisture back into your home, especially in winter, can make a noticeable difference.

Artificial Tears

Lubricating eye drops can provide quick relief. Look for preservative-free options if you’re using them regularly.

When It’s Time to See an Optometrist

Occasional dryness is common, but ongoing symptoms shouldn’t be ignored.

Book an exam if:

• Your symptoms are persistent or worsening

• You rely on eye drops daily

• Your vision fluctuates throughout the day

• Contact lenses feel uncomfortable or hard to wear

• Your eyes are impacting your work or daily life

At Eye Live, we can identify the underlying cause of your dry eyes and recommend targeted treatment, not just temporary fixes.

So, What Can You Do?

Living in Calgary means dry eyes are more common, but they don’t have to be something you just live with. By understanding the environmental factors, improving your daily habits, and getting the right support when needed, you can significantly improve your comfort.

If your eyes are constantly irritated, watery, or tired, it’s worth looking into. Relief is possible and often simpler than you think.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my eyes watery if they’re dry?

This is called reflex tearing. When your eyes are too dry, they overcompensate by producing watery tears. But, these don’t provide lasting lubrication.

Do contact lenses make dry eyes worse?

They can. If you have dry eyes, contacts may feel uncomfortable. An optometrist can recommen

d better lens options or adjustments.

When should I be concerned about dry eyes?

If symptoms are persistent, worsening, or affecting your vision or daily life, it’s time to book an eye exam.

Tags: dry eye, Calgary climate, eye health, treatment, Alberta