Dry eye care in airports and airplanes
DRY EYE TIPS FOR TRAVELERS
Airports, with their dry air, fluorescent lights, and often blowing air, are hard on people with dry eye disease whether or not they are wearing sclerals.
"Airplane air" is even worse. What this means for a scleral lens user can vary from person to person. Some people cannot wear their sclerals in flight because of the harsh environment, while others find the lenses help them tolerate it much better.
If you have dry eye and don't plan to wear your lenses in flight, you'll want to max out on other forms of protection. If you are wearing your lenses in flight, they may be more liable to become dry, blurry and uncomfortable during the flight.
1. Drink up
Stay hydrated throughout your trip. Even if you do not normally have severe dry eye symptoms, the low humidity in airports and airplanes can affect your scleral lens comfort more than expected. Make sure you have water available throughout your flight.
2. Lube up
Pack rewetting drops or small saline vials that you can use over sclerals during the flight. If you’re not wearing your lenses, and have severe dry eye, bring your thickest drops or (if necessary) ointment.
3. Cover up
Protective “moisture chamber” glasses can make all the difference in any low-humidity environment that is hard on your eyes. They can help you cope with long flight connection times, and you can wear them in-flight while reading or watching TV. These glasses can be worn over sclerals to prevent them from becoming uncomfortable, or they can be the alternative way to keep your eyes more comfortable.
Moisture goggles designed for overnight use are often used for in-flight dry eye protection. Examples: Eye Eco products (Tranquileyes, Eyeseals, Onyix/Quartz)
