Guest Post By Aaron Barriga:
Do you travel often and experience dry eyes? Have you been ignoring it but wondered why this happens? Due to the control in air pressure and dry environment, it can take a toll on your eyes. Dry eyes, if not treated, can prevent your eyes from producing enough tears, which will make you feel irritated, and your eyes feel itchy. However, the good news is that you can ease the discomfort while on a plane by keeping these tips in mind. These 7 tips will also be vital if you are traveling with kids that may experience the same.
1. Keep Yourself Hydrated
Keeping yourself hydrated is very important. If you enjoy coffee, tea, or alcohol on flights, make sure you ask the air hostess for a bottle of water instead of a cup each time. That will ensure adequate hydration.
2. Carry a Bottle of Eye Drops
Try to carry a bottle of eye drops along with you whenever you travel, but make sure only to use eye drops that a doctor has prescribed. If you’re traveling with a child, you may want to consult your doctor if he suffers from the same.
3. Use an Eye Mask
Use an eye mask to protect your eyes. Although it may not be a great fashion statement, an eye mask may induce sleep, blocking out sources of light and protect the skin around your eyes. If you have checked in at a hotel room, an eye mask will be equally helpful in preventing the light from messing with your sleep.
4. Switch to Glasses
Switch to glasses while flying, as contact lenses may increase the chances of dry eyes and hurt your eye health. Moreover, glasses are much easier to nap with than contact lenses if you’re watching many media.
5. Switch Off Air Conditioning
Switch off the air conditioning vent above your seat if you’re flying to prevent dry air from blowing directly onto your face. Since the cabin climate is fairly low, doing away with the extra air conditioning can give you some relief from dry eyes.
6. Give Those Eyes Some Rest
Give your eyes some rest, and try to avoid spending too much time on digital screens. Get up, move around, meditate for a few minutes, close your eyes for a while, and think of what you will do when you land.
7. Blinking Exercises
Blinking exercises not only relieve you of dry eyes but also alleviate headaches and blurry vision.
With all the precautions that you can take, some airlines aim for a more comfortable cabin climate since passengers travel frequently and for long hours. Moreover, check with your airlines about regulations on carrying liquids such as eye drops in your handbag. Keeping one with you would assure a pleasant travel experience.
Who Can Get Dry Eyes?
- People above the age of 50 are generally more prone to suffer from dry eyes.
- If you’re taking some medication, check with your doctor if one of its symptoms is dry eyes.
- Pregnant women or women undergoing menopause can experience dry eyes
- Wearing contact lenses
Ignoring dry eyes can lead to dry eye syndrome. In severe symptoms, address the issue promptly and contact an Ophthalmologist to get early treatment.
Author Bio:
Aaron Barriga is the writer at Studyclerk and online marketing manager for Insight Vision Center, an Ophthalmology Center in California. Aaron loves to share what he knows and what he learns with a knack for understanding medical procedures and an interest in eye and vision health. He blogs to inform readers about the latest eye care technology and other topics related to eye care, especially LASIK. Aaron loves collecting coasters from the different bars and restaurants he visits during his travels.
