Key Takeaways
- Drink plenty of water before your trip to stay hydrated.
- Switch from contact lenses to glasses for your flight.
- Close the overhead air vent to block dry air.
- Bring artificial tears to add moisture to your eyes.
- Give your eyes frequent breaks from screens.
Keep Eyes Comfortable in the Air
You step off a long flight ready to start your vacation. However, instead of enjoying the sights, your eyes feel like they’re full of sand. Airplane cabins have low humidity, and this can strip moisture from your eyes.
Fortunately, our team at Total Vision Del Mar can help you protect your vision from harsh cabin air. You can prevent dry eyes during air travel by drinking water, wearing glasses, closing the overhead vent, using artificial tears, and taking screen breaks. These habits help your eyes stay moist from takeoff to landing, but persistent irritation might require dry eye therapy after your trip.
Stay Hydrated with Water & Decaf Drinks
Choose Water Over Coffee & Alcohol
You lose body moisture quickly at high altitudes. You can fight this fluid loss by drinking plenty of water before you board. Continue to sip water throughout your flight and after you land.
The beverage cart often tempts travelers with coffee and wine. However, these caffeinated and alcoholic drinks lead to quick dehydration. Skip these beverages to help your body maintain its natural moisture levels.
Watch for Signs of Dehydration
Your eyes often show the first signs that your body needs more fluids. Look out for the following signs of dehydration and dry eye:
- Redness in your eyes
- A scratchy or parched feeling
- Irritation from dry airplane air
Wear Glasses Instead of Contact Lenses
Why Contacts Create Discomfort
Contact lenses sit directly on the surface of your eye and need constant moisture to remain soft and comfortable. Airplane cabins have extremely low humidity levels, which causes contact lenses to dry out quickly.
Your contacts pull moisture directly from your eye surface to compensate for the dry cabin air. This leaves your eyes feeling tight and gritty. Taking your contacts out before you board can help you avoid this uncomfortable sensation.
Benefits of Glasses on Planes
Glasses provide a helpful barrier between your eyes and the circulating cabin air. The frames physically block dry air from blowing across your face. This protection helps your eyes keep their natural moisture intact. Plus, your glasses also rest comfortably on your nose without pulling tears from the surface of your eyes.
Block Airplane Air
Turn Off the Overhead Vent
The overhead air vent in an airplane blows recycled air directly into your eyes. This constant stream of dry air causes your natural tears to evaporate.
Reach up and close the overhead air vent completely. Dress in warm layers to control your body temperature instead of relying on the vent.
Pack Artificial Tears for Moisture
Keep Lubricant Drops Handy
Sometimes your eyes need extra help to stay comfortable. Artificial tears can provide moisture and provide quick relief.
Apply these drops whenever your eyes feel dry or heavy. You can use them right before takeoff and again throughout the flight. Just keep the bottle available for easy access.
Practice the 20-20-20 Rule for Screen Relief
Give Your Eyes a Break from Screens
You naturally blink less often when you stare at a phone or seatback monitor. This lack of blinking stops your eyelids from spreading moisture across the surface of your eyes. Giving your eyes a break from screens lets them have a chance to rest and recover.
Look away from your devices every 20 minutes and focus on an object 20 feet away for about 20 seconds. This exercise relaxes your eye muscles and encourages you to blink normally.
Reduce Travel Eye Strain
Long flights often tempt you to watch movies for hours on end. However, if you want to keep your eyes comfortable, it may be best to limit movies on a long flight. Close your eyes and listen to music or an audiobook instead.
Remember to blink often to spread natural tears across your eyes. Frequent blinking helps provide a smooth and clear surface for your vision.
Prepare For Your Future Travels
Preventative eye care helps you enjoy every moment of your vacation. You can prepare for your next trip by scheduling a comprehensive eye exam with our team at Total Vision Del Mar. We can check your eye health and recommend the right artificial tears for your travel bag.
Reach out to us today to schedule your visit. A regular checkup can help you keep your eyes comfortable on every flight.
