Why Do Your Eyes Burn This May in Plano? North Texas Pollen vs. Summer Dry Eye

May in Plano can be tough on your eyes. Between North Texas pollen, windy days, rising temperatures, and more time outdoors, burning eyes can show up quickly. The challenge is knowing whether your symptoms are caused by seasonal allergies or summer dry eye.

At Summit Eyecare, we help patients in Plano understand what is irritating their eyes and find the right treatment for lasting relief.
 

Why Eyes Burn More in May

Spring and early summer bring a mix of triggers to North Texas. Pollen counts can stay high, grass and weeds become more active, and warm weather often means fans, air conditioning, and outdoor activities. All of these can affect the tear film that protects the surface of your eyes.

When your tear film becomes unstable, your eyes may burn, sting, water, or feel gritty. Even if your eyes are watering, you may still have dry eye because reflex tearing does not always provide the right balance of moisture and oil.
 

Is It Pollen Or Dry Eye?

Pollen-related eye allergies and summer dry eye can feel similar, but they are not the same problem. Allergies are usually an immune response to irritants like pollen, while dry eye often involves poor tear quality, inflammation, or blocked oil glands.

Common signs of pollen-related eye allergies include:

• Itchy eyes
• Redness in both eyes
• Watery discharge
• Sneezing or nasal congestion
• Symptoms that worsen after being outdoors

Dry eye symptoms often include burning, stinging, blurred vision, light sensitivity, or the feeling that something is stuck in your eye. Many Plano patients notice dry eye symptoms after long screen time, driving, spending time in air conditioning, or being outside in the wind.
 

Why The Right Diagnosis Matters

Using allergy drops when the real issue is dry eye may only provide short-term relief. On the other hand, treating dry eye without addressing pollen exposure may leave you frustrated when symptoms keep coming back.

A comprehensive eye exam allows us to look closely at your tear film, eyelids, and ocular surface. We can help determine whether your burning eyes are related to North Texas pollen, summer dry eye, or a combination of both.
 

How To Protect Your Eyes This Season

Small changes can make May more comfortable for your eyes. Wearing sunglasses outdoors can help limit pollen and wind exposure. Keeping windows closed on high-pollen days, changing pillowcases often, and washing your face after being outside may also reduce irritation.

If your symptoms are connected to dry eye, artificial tears may help, but some patients need more targeted care. At Summit Eyecare, we focus on identifying what is causing your symptoms so we can recommend treatment that fits your eyes, lifestyle, and environment in Plano.
 

When To Schedule An Eye Exam

Burning eyes should not be ignored, especially if symptoms are frequent, worsening, or affecting your vision. If over-the-counter drops are not helping, or if your eyes feel irritated every spring and summer, it may be time for an evaluation.

Contact Summit Eyecare in Plano, TX by calling (469) 241-9272 to schedule an eye exam and find out whether North Texas pollen, summer dry eye, or both are causing your burning eyes.