Due to the high temperatures experienced in the summer, we often seek to spend more time in air-conditioned spaces to escape the sensation of heat and embarrassment felt outdoors. While this equipment helps us keep cool, it can cause dry eyes. Dr. Verónica Uribe, an ophthalmologist at our clinic, gives us more details about the relationship between dry eye and air conditioning.

Can air conditioning trigger dry eyes?

• The eyes must be kept hydrated to protect the eyeball, eliminate foreign bodies and so that the quality of vision is not affected. When we stay in air-conditioned environments we favor ocular dryness because the tears that protect the eye surfaces remain less time and this causes dry eye.
• Air conditioning can cause or worsen dry eye conditions (a multifactorial disease characterized by unstable or insufficient tears) because the air it generates is much drier than normal and produces a rapid evaporation of the tear film.

Does dry eye affect all patients equally?

Dry eyes do not affect everyone in the same way. Smoking, and staying long hours in front of the computer or cell phone can aggravate this condition, which is characterized by irritation, burning and itching of the eyes, gritty sensation, tearing, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light, among other discomforts.

Our specialist recommends:

• If you visit frequently or stay for a long time in air-conditioned or low-humidity environments such as offices, commercial premises, or banks, you may apply lubricating drops or artificial tears. However, their frequency of use should be prescribed by the ophthalmologist.
• Taking short breaks, if you work in front of the computer, also prevents dry eye from getting worse.
• Stay hydrated and stay away from people who smoke.

Remember:

Dry eye is a disease that can be caused by several factors and sometimes it can even be asymptomatic. Therefore, it is very important to visit the ophthalmologist for an annual check-up. Do not self-medicate, you could aggravate the condition.

Dr. Verónica Uribe
Ophthalmologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma