How does air conditioning affect the eyes?

One way to combat high summer temperatures indoors is with air conditioning. Its use helps make the hottest months more bearable. That is why it is very common to use it at home, especially at night, in offices, shopping centers, clinics...

Although it is our ally against heat, the truth is that excessive use of it can end up affecting our health. The change in temperature between outside and inside can cause us to catch a cold. Furthermore, if the cold air hits your lower back area, you may wake up the next morning with aches and pains.

Another very common problem due to the use of air conditioning in summer is dry eyes , as well as other eye discomfort. This is because these machines eliminate humidity by making the air they expel to the outside dry, which will cause the tear film to evaporate more quickly.

Precisely, the tear film is a very thin aqueous layer that covers the surface of the eyes and its objective is to cover and protect the eyes from external agents. In addition, it nourishes and cleanses the ocular surface and above all keeps the eyes hydrated. Therefore, when this film evaporates, dry eye syndrome will occur.

Dry eye syndrome and air conditioning

Dry eye syndrome is a very common eye disorder. It occurs when the tear film does not generate enough tears or the tear it does generate is of low quality, thus drying out the surface of the cornea.

As a result of this dryness, you may experience redness, irritation, burning or itching in your eyes. Also that annoying feeling of grit or foreign body. Another consequence of dry eyes is having greater sensitivity to light, as well as eye fatigue and heaviness in the eyelids.

This situation will occur due to the use of air conditioners or fans in summer. Other factors that cause dry eyes are heating, smoke and environmental pollution.

At Venice Eyewear we want to help you take care of your eyes this summer, thus avoiding dry eye syndrome caused by air conditioning. Therefore, we are going to give you some basic advice, but essential for your eye health.

Tips for eye care in summer

• Responsible use of air conditioning . Try to limit its use and when you do, do not put it at maximum power. In addition, you will have to try to stay away from the source of the air current.
• Humidifiers . To combat the dryness of the environment caused by air conditioning, it is recommended to use humidifiers. This will maintain the ambient humidity.
• Blinks, blinks, blinks . If we add being in front of a computer during the work day to the dryness of the air conditioning, the chances of suffering from dry eyes increase. Avoid it by blinking frequently. This will facilitate the eye's natural tear regeneration.
• Use sunglasses . Outside, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from solar radiation, light and wind. In addition, sunglasses will act as a protective barrier against dust or grit, thus preventing them from entering the eyes.
• Contact lenses . They can increase dry eyes which, combined with air conditioning, can cause eye discomfort.
• Artificial tears . They will help you quickly relieve the discomfort caused by dry eyes. They will keep your eyes hydrated. Recommended for those who suffer from dry eyes since the use of air conditioning will worsen the symptoms.

This summer be careful with the air conditioning! Keep your eyes well hydrated and healthy.