Traveling, especially by plane, can be taxing on the entire body, and your eyes are no exception. Whether it’s due to dry air on the plane, wearing a mask, or simply the stress of traveling, eye pain after flying is a common issue for many. Red eyes after flying and dry eyes can significantly impact your comfort during and after travel.
Fortunately, there are several strategies that can help reduce the chances of experiencing these unpleasant symptoms, also known as “traveler’s dry eye.” Here are a few tips from eye specialists to ensure your eyes stay healthy and comfortable during your trip.
1. Drink Plenty of Water for Eye Health
The air in planes is notoriously dry, with humidity levels often dipping below 20%, which is lower than even the Sahara Desert. When your body is dehydrated, it struggles to produce sufficient tears, which are essential for keeping your eyes moist.
To keep your eyes moist and comfortable, make sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your flight. Staying hydrated helps your body maintain its natural tear production and prevents eye dryness symptoms caused by the low humidity in the cabin.
2. Wear Glasses Instead of Contact Lenses
If you’re prone to dry eyes when traveling, it’s best to switch to glasses during your flight. Contact lenses can dry out the surface of your eyes because they reduce the moisture on the tear film. Wearing glasses, on the other hand, helps keep your eyes hydrated and protected from the dry air on planes.
If you prefer contact lenses for travel, talk to your eye doctor about eye care recommendations or opt for moisture-boosting lenses designed to reduce dryness.
3. Use a Sleep Mask to Protect Your Eyes
Even when your eyelids are closed, eye dryness can still occur, especially if you fall asleep during your flight. Air can dry out your eyes even when you’re not consciously blinking. Wearing a sleep mask helps prevent additional moisture loss by creating a barrier against the air, ensuring your eyes remain more hydrated.
4. Use Hydrating Eye Drops
Hydrating eye drops are a great solution when traveling through dry environments. They provide immediate relief for red eyes after flying and can help lubricate your eyes. Keep a small bottle of preservative-free artificial tears with you, so you can rehydrate your eyes whenever needed.
Your eye care optometrist can recommend the best drops for your specific symptoms, ensuring you get maximum relief from dryness and irritation.
5. Ensure Your Face Mask Fits Properly
If you’re traveling during the pandemic, wearing a face mask is necessary. However, an ill-fitting mask can cause your breath to rise upward and dry out your eyes. To prevent this, make sure your face mask fits snugly around the bridge of your nose, reducing airflow to your eyes. This simple adjustment can help keep your eyes moist and reduce irritation during your flight.
Eye Pain After Flying? Let Us Help
If you’re experiencing persistent eye pain after flying or dry eye syndrome that’s affecting your comfort, it’s important to see an eye optometrist. At Eyeson Group, we specialize in dry eye treatment and offer effective solutions for eye irritation caused by travel and other factors.
A comprehensive eye exam can help identify the underlying causes of your dry eyes and provide a tailored treatment plan to keep your eyes healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions with Dr. Nicholas Feucht
Can dry eye be cured?
In some cases, dry eye syndrome can be managed with effective treatments, such as lubricating drops, punctal plugs, or in-office therapies. While there isn’t a permanent cure, there are long-term solutions to help alleviate symptoms.
What type of treatments are available for dry eye syndrome?
Depending on the severity and cause of your dry eye syndrome, treatments may include:
- Eye drops
- Punctal plugs
- Topical steroids
- Warm compresses
- Protective eyewear
- Intense pulse light therapy
- Lifestyle adjustments, like reducing screen time or using a humidifier