Itchy Eyes Blame the AC

In an effort to create a more pleasant working and living environment, most workplaces, malls, shops, theatres, and even homes have central air-conditioning systems. When it's sweltering hot outside, air conditioning can help keep you cool, but there are some drawbacks to consider. If you are prone to dry eyes, even an hour spent in an environment with air conditioning can exacerbate the condition. Do your eyes feel dry, irritated, gritty, tacky, or itchy? Most likely, your air conditioner is the culprit. 

How can your AC make your eyes dry?

The surface of the eye's mucosa is covered by a fluid layer known as tear film; This thin film consists of three layers. The inner layer is made of proteins, the middle layer is made of water, and the outer layer is made of oil. All three layers of tear film work together to protect our eyes from infection and keep them healthy. Tear film serves four important purposes-

• Protects the eyes and keeps them moist.
• Reduces the possibility of eye infections
• Removes dust
• Keeps eye surface clear

When any part of the tear film fails to function properly, you may begin to experience dry eye symptoms such as itchy eyes.Tears are essential for maintaining the health of our eyes and vision. Every time we blink, a protective layer of tears is spread over the front of our eyes like a thin film. It is possible that dry spots will develop on the surface of our eyes if we do not blink often enough. Numerous factors can disrupt the stability of the tear film and lead to itchy eyes. Let us see how ac contributes to itchy eyes. Let us examine how AC causes itchy eyes. 

1. As the temperature drops, the amount of humidity in the air decreases as well. In extremely dry conditions, the watery layer of the tear film evaporates, resulting in evaporative dry eye syndrome. This can result in itchy eyes.

2. Further, prolonged exposure to AC can alter the lipid production of glands in the eyelids. Without lubrication, the eyes are more susceptible to inflammation and infection, which can cause itching.

Another side effect of AC on Eyes

In addition to causing dry eyes, overexposure to ACs can also cause bacterial, fungal, or viral infections in the eye. This occurs when the ACs are not properly maintained. In the absence of regular cleaning, air conditioning ducts can become a breeding ground for pathogenic microbes. Viruses, bacteria, and fungus from the duct may cause inflammation in the eyes. These infections can result in painful corneal ulcers. 

How to Avoid Itchy Eyes Caused by AC?

We all encounter air conditioning on a daily basis in offices, vehicles, public transportation, air travel, theaters, supermarkets, malls, and other large retail outlets. Here are a few suggestions for keeping your AC from causing itchy eyes.

• Reduce the amount of time spent in air-conditioned spaces.
• Sit away from the air conditioning unit or in a position where your eyes are directly exposed to the air.
• Replace the filters in the air conditioning and heating systems as per the manufacturer's instructions.
• Instead of wearing contact lenses, opt for glasses. Glasses can prevent air from blowing into the eyes and prevent tears from evaporating. 
• Always try to maintain the temperature above 23 degrees Celsius.
• Dry skin and itchy eyes can be prevented by keeping a small open bowl of fresh water in the AC room. A humidifier also helps.
• Use artificial tears or other over-the-counter eye drops to keep your eyes moist and the itching at bay.
• Adjust your computer monitor so that it is 10-20 degrees (4-5 inches) below eye level in your working space. Looking down prevents you from exposing your eyes to excessively dry air.
• Frequent conscious blinking while using a computer or mobile phone will aid in the proper distribution of tear film appropriately. This helps to prevent dryness and itchiness.
• Ensure that you get at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night, which will allow your eyes to recuperate.
• Drink 8-10 glasses of water each day to keep your body properly hydrated.

Treating itchy eyes

Mild dryness and itching of the eyes caused by exposure to air conditioning can be alleviated with lubricating drops. Over-the-counter eye drops for itch relief are also always helpful. Over-the-counter eye drops for itch relief are also useful. Some eyedrops work like artificial tears to alleviate dry eye symptoms, while others are designed to treat allergies and redness. A cold-water compress can relieve itching and have a calming effect on the eyes. When your eyes begin to itch, simply soak a clean cloth in cold water and apply it to your closed eyes as needed.

Wrapping Up

Itchy eyes are a common problem. Itching in the eyes can be brought on by a number of different conditions. Air conditioning is a major contributing factor. The most significant contributor to itchy eyes is air conditioning. In the event that the preventative measures and home remedies do not have the desired effect, it is essential to speak with an ophthalmologist.