❄️ The Hidden Link Between Air Conditioning and Dry Eyes

In Singapore and Indonesia, air-conditioning isn’t just a luxury — it’s a necessity.Whether you’re in the office, at home, in a car, or even at a shopping mall, chances are you spend most of your day in air-conditioned spaces.

But while air-con keeps you cool and comfortable, it can also be one of the main causes of dry, irritated eyes in our modern lifestyles.

Let’s explore how air-conditioning affects your eye health — and what you can do to protect your eyes without giving up your cool comfort.

🌬️ Why Air-Conditioning Dries Out Your Eyes

Air-conditioning systems reduce humidity in the air. The drier the air, the faster your tear film evaporates, leaving your eyes less protected and more prone to irritation.

When your tears evaporate too quickly, your eyes may start to:

• Feel dry or gritty

• Look red or tired

• Sting or burn

• Feel watery (ironically, because your eyes try to compensate)

Over time, this constant dryness can lead to inflammation of the eye surface and worsen Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) — one of the most common causes of chronic dry eyes in our region.

🧴 The Office Effect: Digital Screens + Air-Con = Double Trouble

Working long hours on a computer in an air-conditioned office can be especially harsh on your eyes.Staring at screens causes you to blink less frequently, while the air-con speeds up tear evaporation.

The result? Tired, gritty eyes by midday — and sometimes blurred vision by the end of the workday.

Dr Cheryl Lee’s Tip:If you work in an air-conditioned space, remember to:

• Take 20-second eye breaks every 20 minutes

• Blink fully and often, especially when concentrating

• Use a humidifier or desk plant to add moisture to your workspace

• Apply preservative-free lubricating eye drops during the day

🌿 Home and Travel Habits That Make a Difference

Even at home, keeping your air-con on overnight can leave you waking up with dry or sticky eyes.When travelling, especially on planes where air humidity is extremely low, symptoms may worsen.

To reduce discomfort:

• Point air vents away from your face

• Avoid sleeping directly under cold air flow

• Use lubricating drops before sleep or flights

• Keep a warm compress handy for gentle relief

👩‍⚕️ Advanced Treatments for Persistent Dry Eyes

If you find yourself relying on eye drops daily but still feeling uncomfortable, it may be time for a professional dry eye assessment.

At The Eye Clinic by Dr Cheryl Lee, we identify the underlying cause of your dryness — whether it’s tear evaporation, oil gland blockage (MGD), or inflammation.We offer advanced treatments including:

• Tixel – to unblock by melting oil glands

• Eyelight - Red light and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy – to reduce inflammation

• Customised eye care plans for your environment and lifestyle

💧 You Don’t Have to Choose Between Comfort and Eye Health

Air-conditioning is part of daily life in Singapore and Indonesia — but dry eyes don’t have to be.With the right care and simple daily habits, your eyes can stay comfortable, clear, and healthy, no matter where you work or live.

👉 Schedule a Dry Eye Consultation at The Eye Clinic by Dr Cheryl Lee to find out what’s causing your discomfort and how to protect your eyes effectively.