Heating period — how to cope with eye dryness?

Uncomfortable burning of the eyes, eye redness or tearing. Regardless of whether we are outdoors or indoors, winter is one of the seasons that are particularly conducive to these types of symptoms.

These are ailments that occur as a result of an imbalance in the level of proper hydration of the eye surface. The cause of this condition may be the incorrect composition of the tear film or its excessive evaporation. The tear film is responsible for the constant hydration and nourishment of the eyeball. Proper hydration of the eye surface is essential for proper vision.

What causes the feeling of discomfort?

There are numerous factors which may contribute to the unpleasant sensations related to eye dryness – e.g. central heating indoors and temperature fluctuations caused by a change of environment (leaving a building to be outdoors or coming back inside).

In winter, eye discomfort affects virtually everyone - people working in heated offices, spending time at home, or travelling by car, public transport or plane, where they are often exposed to warm airflow.

In each of these cases, the cause of discomfort in the form of stinging, burning or the feeling of sand under the eyelids is the evaporation of the tear film.

How to deal with eye dryness and the feeling of discomfort?

• Turn down the temperature in the room.
  High temperature means dry air. Try lowering the temperature in the room where you are staying, and the unpleasant sensations such as eye itching or burning will cease to be felt.
• Make sure there is appropriate humidity in the room.
  It will be an excellent idea to use an air humidifier, placed in the apartment or office. If you don’t have one, you can put a damp towel or a dish of water on a warm radiator. The steaming water will provide appropriate humidity in the room.
• Avoid warm airflow and air-conditioning exposure.
  Warm airflow is most commonly found in offices, shopping centres and vehicles. Try not to stay in its direct proximity. If it is not possible to avoid the exposure, make sure the airflow is not aimed directly at the face area.
• Apply moisturising eye drops.
  Moisturising eye drops, also known as artificial tears, support the proper functioning of the tear film in a similar way in which natural tears act. They are especially recommended to contact lenses users. The best solution is to choose eye drops which do not contain preservatives so as not to cause eye irritation.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
  How much water we drink during the day affects the effective hydration of the eyes, because it regulates the composition and amount of the tear film.

Do you suffer from eye dryness and none of the above solutions seem to work? Make an appointment for a specialist ophthalmologic examination and check if your ailments are not the symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome (DES). Long-term eye dryness and advanced stage of Dry Eye Syndrome constitute a contraindication to a laser vision correction.

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