Andrey Popov - stock.adobe.com
Central heating, dust and smoke dry out the eyes
Stress factors for the eyes can be found everywhere: at home, in the office, on the road, while traveling and even on a relaxing holiday at the beach. Environmental factors are among the main causes of dry eyes and are difficult to avoid. That's why lubricating eye drops should always be at hand.
Indoor air Dry air also dries out the eyes more quickly
In winter the heat is on full blast, in summer the air conditioner. If a room is not aired out regularly, the indoor air becomes drier and drier – and so do the eyes. This is because low humidity can cause the tear film to dry out more quickly, leaving an unprotected ocular surface that is prone to irritation. Draughts can have the same effect: Even the slightest breeze can promote evaporation of the tear film and cause the typical symptoms such as itching and burning. When driving, the air vent should therefore never be directed towards the eyes.
Treatment: What helps with dry eyes?
Read moreDust / particles Air particles can also irritate the eyes
Very fine dust particles, exhaust fumes and cigarette smoke can irritate the eyes and impair the wetting of the ocular surface. Once the protective film has been disrupted, the small foreign bodies can reach the surface of the eye more easily and cause irritation as well as infections. Fine particulate air pollution is already enough stress for sensitive eyes, especially in large cities. Any further contact with smoke and particles in the air can aggravate the symptoms. Ideally, if you suffer from dry eyes, you should stop smoking altogether.
©Nopphon - stock.adobe.com
Mouth-nose protection Draughts on the eye cause the tear film to evaporate more quickly
Wearing today’s obligatory protective masks over the mouth and nose puts the focus on the eyes– after all, there is not much else of the face to see. However, the mouth and nose protection can cause additional irritation. With poorly fitting masks, the breathing air escapes upwards and can dry out the tear film. Small pieces of fluff and cloth particles sometimes get into the eye as foreign bodies, causing symptoms such as itching and redness.
anderpe - stock.adobe.com
Travelling Being in an air-conditioned environment strains the eyes
At last the holiday is on the horizon and with it the long-awaited journey by car, train or plane. But be careful: Stress factors for the eyes are lurking here! Air conditioning that cannot be regulated on trains and planes, long car journeys with the air conditioning on, and then too little fluid intake can all have an effect on the protective film of the eyes. The tear film disrupts and irritation develops. The consequences: When you arrive at your destination, your eyes feel tired, are burning and red. That is why you should always keep lubricating eye drops in your first-aid kit.
©qOppi - stock.adobe.com
Holidays Summer, sun, sand: but often no relief for dry eyes
An air-conditioned hotel room may be pleasant when on holiday, but not for your eyes. The dry, cool air can affect the tear film and thus cause symptoms. Tired, red and burning eyes can then quickly spoil the holiday atmosphere. Then there is also the chlorinated water in the swimming pool, on the beach the sand blows into your eyes, at the coast the constant wind dries out your eyes, ozone is a problem when strolling through the town, and the intense sun also affects the health of your eyes. Suitable sunglasses and regular lubrication of the ocular surface will relieve the symptoms.