by Joel Harrison
14. February 2011 13:44
Dry eye is one of the most common complications associated with wearing contact lenses. Recently, a new study concerning the condition has been published, stating that air conditioning doubles the risk of its occurrence.
This is in agreement with data provided by World Health Organisation, indicating that the number of dry eye cases rises considerably in the summer, when air conditioning is widely used (and often abused).
According to the researchers, air conditioning causes air to be very dry, which leads to problems even in individuals with normal tear production. The danger here is that the passing discomfort may result in a chronic change in the tear film, as staying in air conditioned rooms is conducive to evaporation of the aqueous layer of the tear film, making the eye more susceptible to inflammation and infection. This is exacerbated by the fact that air conditioning systems are frequently poorly maintained, which helps bacteria, viruses and fungi proliferate.
Contact lens users should bear these issues in mind, experts suggest, and deal with the symptoms of dry eye as soon as they appear.
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