Have you ever noticed how your eyes feel dry or irritated after spending time in an air-conditioned room? Air conditioning is a lifesaver during sweltering summer days, but it can also have some negative effects on your eyes. In this blog post, we’ll explore how air conditioning can impact your eyes and what you can do to keep them healthy and comfortable.
Air conditioning and dry eyes
When the weather is hot outside, we rely on air conditioning to keep us cool and comfortable indoors. However, the downside is that air conditioning can significantly reduce the humidity levels in the air. Low humidity levels can lead to dry eyes because the tears that normally keep our eyes moist evaporate more quickly in dry environments. As a result, you may experience symptoms like itching, burning, redness, and even blurred vision. This can be especially problematic for people who wear contact lenses, as their lenses may become uncomfortable or even painful to wear.
Aside from being uncomfortable, chronic dry eye can increase your risk of developing other eye problems such as corneal ulcers or infections. It can also worsen existing conditions like allergies or conjunctivitis. That’s why it’s essential to protect your eyes from the negative effects of air conditioning.
How to prevent dry eyes from air conditioning
Don’t worry, there are ways to combat dry eyes without having to turn off your air conditioner. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps keep your body—including your eyes—properly hydrated. Artificial tears or lubricating eye drops can help replenish the moisture in your eyes and relieve dryness and irritation. You can also try using a humidifier in your home or office to increase humidity levels and prevent your tears from evaporating too quickly. You may also want to consider taking regular breaks from staring at screens while in an air-conditioned environment as this can contribute to eye strain.
When to see a professional
Over-the-counter eye drops and lifestyle changes are often enough to relieve dry eye, but if these don’t work, you should see a professional. At Avon Vision Associates and New Hartford Eye Associates, we offer a range of dry eye treatments to help relieve any discomfort you may be experiencing. From Celluma LLLT (low level light therapy) to OptiLight IPL treatment and ZEST, we use cutting-edge technologies and in-office procedures to target the root causes of dry eye and provide long-lasting relief. TearCare® is another innovative treatment option that uses thermal energy to open blocked meibomian glands and improve tear quality. We also offer scleral contact lenses as a comfortable alternative to traditional contact lenses for dry eye patients.
The cool blast of air conditioning might feel refreshing on a hot day, but it’s important to be aware of how it can affect your eyes. If you experience persistent eye discomfort or symptoms like redness, pain, or vision changes after being in an air-conditioned environment, schedule an appointment with our dry eye specialists in Avon or New Hartford. Our eye doctor will be able to assess your overall eye health, determine the underlying cause of your symptoms, and recommend treatment options based on your specific needs.