Can Air Conditioning Cause Dry Eyes? Understanding the Connection

April 17, 2025 contact lenses Uncategorized 0

One of the most important things to consider for a productive work rate is comfort, and this is why offices and companies ensure their workers are in air-conditioned spaces all year round. Even homes and cars are not left out of this, especially in the summer period.

Have you ever noticed how these air conditioners affect your eye health and functions? You’ve probably experienced your eyes getting dry when you sit in such spaces. These side effects can be gotten rid of or reduced greatly if you follow the tips below:

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What Condition is Dry Eye Syndrome?

The ocular surface is the home for the conjunctiva, cornea, and lacrimal glands, and it is covered by a thin layer called the tear film, which produces tears to cover the eyes for protection. The first barrier between the eyes and the environment is none other than this tear film.

This awesome protective feature is of three layers: the one found in the outermost surface, which is oily; the one lying in the middle, which is water or aqueous; and the one at the back of the eyes, which is called the protein. Low humidity or temperature area or situation breeds dry air and this can affect the watery layer of the tear film in return because of rapid evaporation of the tear film, leading to dry eyes.

How Do You Know You Have the Dry Eye Syndrome

If you work in an air-conditioned space and you experience the following, it is a cue that you are suffering from dry eye syndrome:

Grittiness – a condition where you feel the presence of sand in your eyes
Itchiness and irritation of the eyes

Aching or burning sensation
Heaviness of the eyes
Burning eyes
Constant dryness
Blurred vision
Slow reading speed
Sensitivity to light

Other Causes of Dry Eyes

Aside from air conditioners, there are other causes of dry eyes, like menopause, diabetes, thyroid disorder, drug side effects, laser eye surgery, damage to the tear gland, air pollution, and prolonged screen time.

Relationship Between Air Conditioner and Dry Eyes

Long-time exposure to an air conditioner will surely affect the lipid production for the exterior surface of the tear film because the eyelids will not get sufficient lubrication, sparking a significant change in both the quality and the quantity of tear film, leading to dry eyes. No lubrication automatically exposes the eyes to inflammation, bacteria, and other infections, which can cause worse situations.

People who wear contact lenses tend to lose moisture faster so this is worse when it comes to them. Exposure to dry air from air-conditioned spaces can lead to faster eye dehydration that will make them uncomfortable.

Prevention and Management Method for Dry Eyes Under AC

Is your dry eye tied to low humidity or constant exposure to air-conditioned spaces? Staying hydrated is the goal and solution. You must drink about eight cups of water daily to help your body and eyes. Lubricating eye drops can serve as artificial tears to boost your eyes in maintaining high moisture levels; Don’t forget to get it prescribed by an eye professional.

There is no rule that fixes your AC at a certain level; please adjust when it becomes uncomfortable and don’t let it blow in your direction by turning the vents away from your face. And yes! consider a humidifier for increasing the room’s humidity, as this will increase air moisture. When outside the air-conditioned room, be intentional about your eye health by avoiding direct contact between the fan and your face and staying warm. Swimming goggles are a must in the chlorinated pools.

Cut down on the number of hours you spend in cold temperatures and you can try the option of putting a small amount of water in a bowl at the corner of the room to maintain humidity if you cannot get or use a humidifier. Clean the AC and maintain its filter because of less accumulation of harmful microorganisms, especially for your cars.

Blinking frequently while working on your computer, tablets, or phones will also help with the spread of tear film across the eye surface and provide relief, so practice mindful blinking. A quality sleep time of seven to eight hours is highly recommended so your eyes can get enough rest.

If you use contact lenses, it is advisable to go for daily disposable ones and use eye drops that are specifically designed for contact lenses. You can take them out and switch to wearing glasses if the dryness becomes frequent so you don’t experience eye inflammation, vision loss, or eye disease.

Conclusion

It is very true that air-conditioned spaces can reduce the moisture in the air and this can cause illness and stiffness of the back or neck to people living with chronic diseases or sensitive people. Do not use them in a space where babies sleep or play; it is bad for their health.

In most cases, air conditioners are great for hot temperatures so you might not experience dry eye symptoms often during these periods. However, the settings have to be on a comfortable level so your tear film doesn’t evaporate due to the cold.