Seeing new shores at their best - Avoid dry eyes on the plane

Summer is here - and for many, that means travelling overseas.

There is a lot to think of when packing for your holidays. You should remember sunscreen - wherever you are travelling. You should also think about your comfort while you are flying.

After all, planes aren’t particularly known for being comfortable. 

Aside from the ear popping and (for me at least) the fear, you also have to contend with the possibility of dry eyes.

Planes have low humidity. This, combined with recycled air and artificial heating and cooling increase tear evaporation and worsen dry eye symptoms.

Research by the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center showed that the environment in a plane worsened dry eye symptoms - whether people had dry or healthy eyes before entering the plane.

There are a few steps you can take to avoid dry eyes on the plane, helping to ensure you arrive at your destination in comfort.

Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water before and during your flight. Your body will have the fluids it needs to keep your eyes comfortable.

Avoid alcohol

Depending on what class you are flying in, you may be offered complimentary drinks. However, alcohol and caffeine can dehydrate, so these should be avoided to help dry eyes.

Don’t wear contact lenses.

Contact lenses can exacerbate dry eye symptoms. You should wear glasses during your flight.

Close the air vent

There may be an air conditioning vent directly above your seat. However, this will push dry air directly into your face, worsening dry eyes.

Wear an eye mask

You should wear an eye mask if you are sleeping on the plane. While you are awake, you could wear a sheet mask on the plane to rejuvenate the skin around your eyes. This will help lessen symptoms.

Use eye drops

The most effective dry eye treatment when you are flying is to use eye drops.

Rohto Dry Aid drops hydrate the eyes, reducing soreness, itchiness, burning, irritation, grittiness, stinging and tiredness in the eyes.

Rohto Dry Aid offers up to 12 hours of dry eye relief - more than long enough for most flights. Of course, you can use the drops as often as you need. Rohto Dry Aid is a medical device. Always read the label.

So stock up on sunscreen (and eye drops), and enjoy your summer holiday in comfort.