Let’s be honest: nothing beats that blissful blast of cold air when you step into a well-air-conditioned office, car or airport lounge on a scorching day. But if you wear contact lenses, that icy breeze can turn into an unexpected eye irritant faster than you can say “dry eyes”.
Contact lenses and air conditioning aren’t exactly best friends. While your body sighs with relief, your eyes may start to protest – feeling scratchy, sore or just plain uncomfortable. Why? It’s all down to the moisture-zapping nature of air-con, especially in the environments many of us spend hours in each day.
And as the planet heats up, our dependence on artificial cooling is only growing. The number of air-conditioning units worldwide is expected to surge by 244% by 2050, according to the International Energy Agency.
With air-con becoming a permanent fixture of modern life, especially in workplaces and travel hubs, it’s more important than ever to understand how it impacts your eyes – and what you can do to protect them.
Why air conditioning dries out your eyes
Air conditioning works by removing heat and moisture from the air to cool things down. Great for your sweat glands; not so great for your eyeballs. Dry air accelerates evaporation of your natural tear film – the protective layer that keeps your eyes hydrated and comfortable.
Enter the contact lens dilemma
When you wear contact lenses, your tear film is already working a bit harder to keep your eyes moist. Add a moisture-sucking AC unit into the mix, and things can get uncomfortable fast. This can lead to:
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Dry, gritty or itchy eyes
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Blurred vision
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A sensation like your lenses are “sticking”
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More frequent blinking or eye fatigue
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Screwing up your eyes or squinting
In short: not ideal, especially if you’re stuck in meetings or staring at a screen all day.
How contact lenses and air conditioning create the perfect storm
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Less humidity = more evaporation: low humidity means your tear film evaporates faster, which means your eyes dry out faster. If you’re in a chilly, low-humidity space for hours – think offices, cars, planes or shopping centres – your eyes are constantly fighting to stay moist.
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Reduced blinking: you blink less when you’re staring at screens or concentrating, which is already a problem for lens wearers. Add air conditioning, and the blink drought becomes a hydration disaster. Read The Low-down On Eyes And Screens.
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Increased irritation: For anyone prone to eye allergies, air-con filters can trap and circulate allergens, leading to irritation. While the link between air conditioning and styes isn’t conclusive, the lack of moisture may contribute by blocking glands near the lash line. It’s just one more reason to take your eye health seriously if you’re working in an air-conditioned office all day.
Hormones, air-con and dry eyes: a triple threat
If you’re perimenopausal or going through the menopause, you might already be familiar with the effects of hormonal changes on your eyes. As oestrogen levels drop, your body can produce fewer tears – meaning you’re starting with a drier baseline before you even step into an air-conditioned space.
Combine this with hours in an artificially chilled room and it’s no wonder many women find their eyes feeling irritated, sore or gritty. That’s why moisture-retaining contact lenses and proactive eye care are especially important during this life stage. Read Menopause And Dry Eyes: What You Need To Know to find out more about how to look after your eyes during this transition.
How to protect your eyes in air-conditioned environments
The good news? There are plenty of ways to protect your eyes and keep your lenses feeling fresh, even in drier-than-the-Sahara AC. Here’s your comfort toolkit:
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Use lubricating drops (artificial tears): opt for contact lens-compatible drops to restore moisture instantly.
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Drink plenty of water: hydration starts from within. Your eyes will thank you.
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Blink often: set a reminder if you have to – it really helps rehydrate the surface of your eyes.
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Adjust the airflow: point air vents away from your face and eyes. Your forehead will survive.
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Use a humidifier: especially in your home or office, adding moisture to the air helps reduce evaporation.
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Wear sunglasses in cars: if your car’s AC is blasting, a pair of glasses can help shield your eyes from direct airflow.
Why your choice of contact lens matters
Not all lenses are created equal. When it comes to contact lenses and air conditioning, the lens itself can make a huge difference. Some contact lenses are better suited for dry environments, especially those that:
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Retain more moisture
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Are designed for daily replacement (hello, hygiene and hydration!)
The daysoft advantage
daysoft daily disposable contact lenses are designed with moisture retention in mind. They’re made from a soft hydrogel material that helps keep your eyes comfortable throughout the day, even in challenging environments like air-conditioned offices or flights.
Because you start with a fresh pair every day, there’s no build-up of deposits or wear-related dryness – just clear, comfortable vision from morning coffee to evening emails. Read about why we’re the safest, most comfortable option.
Contact lenses and air conditioning don’t have to clash
With the right strategies – and the right lenses – you can beat the dry-eye blues and keep your contact lenses feeling just as cool and fresh as your surroundings. Whether you’re desk-bound, road-tripping or 30,000 feet in the air, eye comfort is absolutely within reach.
Ready to ditch the dryness? Upgrade your contact lens game with daysoft and feel the difference – even in the driest of icy AC. Try daysoft today – affordable daily disposable contact lenses delivered straight to your door.
