Save your Eyes from air conditioners

The rise in temperature during summer, finds an immediate solution in ‘air conditioners’. The scorching heat and intense humidity can turn life into an inferno. People prefer to stay indoor enjoying the cool air of the air conditioners. Life has become almost unimaginable without air conditioners amongst urban population. Many of us spend the entire day in the office under air conditioned environment. There are households which prefer to keep their air conditioners on for the remaining day and night. While air conditioners definitely act as a breezier in a blazing weather, prolonged exposure to air conditioners can cause more harm than good. One of the major body parts that is effected by air conditioners is ‘eye’. Although not life threatening, people tend to neglect and depend on air conditioners. In fact, doctors at Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital see at least 25-30 patients in a month coming with dryness in the eye owing to multiple factors like air conditioners. Dr. Raghu, Senior Consultant of Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital discusses the ill effects of air conditioners on our eye.

 Q1. How do ‘air conditioners’ affect our eyes?

Air Conditioners reduces humidity and causes evaporative dry eye. As the temperature decrease, it reduces the meibomian gland’s ability to secrete oils that help keep the tears from evaporating too quickly. Further, the AC ducts contain moulds, bacteria and virus which causes inflammation in the eye. Hence Air Conditioner is a multi factorial source which causes harm to the eyes.

Q2 . What are the symptoms of this problem?

Dryness of eyes

Redness of eyes

Itchiness of eyes

Irritation of eyes

Eye strain

Sometimes headache and blurring of vision.

 Q3.  Can it lead to a long lasting damage?

Dryness can reduce the performance at workplace and there by affect personal confidence. Further the entire body system gets affected resulting in dry skin, allergy, generalised fatigue, osteoporosis and respiratory disorders.

 Q4. What can be done in an unavoidable circumstance?

It is always better to cover oneself properly and avoid sitting close to Air Conditioners.

Q5.  What are the preventive measures for this problem?

Always avoid sitting close to ACs. Prolonged usage of ACs can lead to formation of moulds and bacteria in the ducts which results in foul smell and infections. Maintenance of ACs is very important. Further, body hydration needs to be maintained by consuming more fluids (water, juice, milk). Avoid taking too much coffee or tea. Minimum recommendation of fluid intake is 2.5 - 3 litres.

 Q6. What is the treatment for a person suffering from this problem?

Lubricant drops are given to reduce dryness. Anti inflammatory medicines are also given. If the symptoms persist, patient should visit an ophthalmologist. Further, based on the severity of dryness of the eye, treatment is given.

For Appointments : Dr. Raghu Nagaraju , MBBS, MS, FCE, FCRS,General Ophthalmology, Cornea & Refractive, Orbit & Oculoplasty, Cataract .

Phone : 080 - 26594012 / 7760969601 / 8884477931