A WINSFORD optician has warned residents to seek advice if they suffer ‘dry eye’ during the summer months after seeing a spike in cases being reported.

Traditionally, people over 40 are more susceptible to dry eye syndrome, which is caused by the eye’s inability to maintain a healthy layer of tears to coat it.

However, air-conditioned office buildings and high computer use are among the aggravating factors, which have led to a growing number of people reporting the same symptoms all year round.

Peter Adshead, store director at Winsford Specsavers, said: “We’ve certainly seen a growth in the number of customers, of all ages, complaining of irritation and dryness in the summer months.

“Ironically, one of the symptoms of dry eye syndrome is watery eyes while others include uncomfortable dry or gritty feelings in the eye, burning or itching, redness, hazy vision and sensitivity to light.”

Dry eye syndrome is often mistakenly believed to be caused only by the harsh effects of cold winter winds, though this common condition can be exacerbated in summer, when eyes can become dehydrated.

Mr Adshead added: “Tips to prevent irritation include reducing the setting on your air conditioning unit, avoiding spending too much time in front of your computer and simply drinking more water to avoid dehydration.”