When it’s hot outside, air conditioning becomes our best friend. It keeps us cool and comfortable, but have you ever noticed that it can also affect your eyes? Spending time in air-conditioned spaces can leave your eyes feeling dry, irritated, and tired. Learn about how air conditioning affects your eyes and what you can do to keep them comfortable.
How air conditioning impacts your eyes
Air conditioning cools and dehumidifies the air, which is great for comfort but can also lead to some eye issues:
- Dry eyes: Air conditioners often lower indoor humidity, causing tears to evaporate more quickly. This can lead to your eyes feeling dry, gritty, or uncomfortable.
- Eye irritation: The constant airflow can stir up dust and allergens, irritating your eyes. If you have allergies or sensitivities, this can be especially uncomfortable.
- Blurred vision: Dry, irritated eyes can sometimes make your vision blurry because your tear film, which keeps your vision clear, isn’t working properly.
Tips for finding relief
Luckily, there are some ways to keep your eyes feeling comfortable even when the air conditioning is on full blast:
- Use a humidifier: Adding a humidifier to your space can help keep the air from getting too dry, providing much-needed relief for your eyes.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep your body—and your eyes— hydrated. This supports tear production and keeps your eyes moist.
- Take breaks: If you’re in an air-conditioned space for a long time, give your eyes a break. Blink frequently to refresh your tear film and ease dryness.
- Adjust the temperature: Try to keep your air conditioning at a comfortable level, avoiding extreme cold which can dry out the air and your eyes.
- Use artificial tears: Over-the-counter artificial tears can be a quick fix for dry or irritated eyes. Keep some on hand for when you need them.
When to see a specialist
If your eyes are still dry, irritated, or uncomfortable despite trying these tips, it might be time to talk to our optometrists in Denham Springs. They can check for any underlying issues and suggest treatments to help you feel more comfortable. For example, OptiLight IPL therapy is a light-based treatment we offer to help address inflammation and meibomian gland dysfunction, an underlying cause of dry eyes. Patients usually report improvement after two to three sessions. We also provide a selection of dry eye products at our office in Denham Springs, including cleansers and eye drops. You are welcome to visit anytime during regular business hours for dry eye products. No appointment is necessary.
In conclusion, while air conditioning is great for staying cool, it can sometimes lead to dry, irritated eyes. If you have ongoing concerns, text or call us at 225-664-2189 to schedule an appointment with our experts. We’ll help you see clearly and comfortably, no matter the weather.
