Dry eyes are a prevalent eye condition for many Americans, and living in certain regions may expose you to environmental conditions like gusty winds and arid air that exacerbate this discomfort. Despite how common dry eyes are, relief is within reach.
A humidifier is an easy at-home remedy that can help with dry eyes. It increases the moisture content of your indoor air, which helps minimize tear evaporation. But it’s important to note that humidifiers aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution because they don’t necessarily address the underlying condition.
For example, if meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is the root of your dry eyes, the humidifier may help alleviate the symptoms, but they will return unless you address the MGD. This is why it is important to involve your eye doctor to find long-lasting relief from those itchy, scratchy, dry eyes.
Recognizing Dry Eyes
Dry eye syndrome, commonly known as dry eye, occurs when the eyes don’t produce enough tears or the tear composition is imbalanced and evaporates too quickly.
Common symptoms of dry eye include:
- A burning or stinging sensation
- Feeling like something is in your eye
- Blurry vision
- Excessive tearing (the body’s over-response to the dryness)
- Redness
Certain things can increase your chance of experiencing dry eyes:
- Prolonged screen time
- Exposure to dry, dusty, or smokey air
- Certain medical conditions
- Surgeries or eye injuries
- Certain medications—including eye drops with preservatives meant to alleviate the symptoms
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, you should book an eye exam with your eye doctor. They can examine your eyes, help determine what’s causing the dryness, and offer tailored advice.
How Can a Humidifier Aid in Alleviating Dry Eyes?
Environmental factors like dry air can often be easily remedied at home using a humidifier. By increasing the moisture content in the air, you may get some symptom relief.
Advantages of a Humidifier for Dry Eye Relief
Studies suggest 40% to 60% humidity is ideal for your sleep environment. So, using a humidifier in your home and bedroom lets you control your indoor climate and keep it within this range. The humidifier can provide benefits like:
- Enhanced eye hydration: A humidifier can help maintain your eyes’ natural moisture balance and decrease dryness and discomfort
- Not waking up with dry eyes: If your eyes aren’t closing completely during sleep, you may wake up with dry eyes. A humidifier can help counter the effects of your eyelids not sealing during sleep.
- Stabilized tear film: A humidifier can protect your tears by slowing down tear evaporation due to a higher moisture content in the air.
- Purified air: Humidifiers can keep your eyes irritation-free by helping reduce dust and allergens.
Humidifiers often provide benefits beyond helping your eyes. They can also promote skin and sinus health by preventing dryness and alleviating sinus congestion, which contributes to overall wellness. They are non-toxic, safe, and convenient for moving from your bedroom to your workstation.
Potential Downsides of Humidifiers for Dry Eye Relief
Despite their benefits, humidifiers can’t resolve the underlying causes of dry eyes. And improper usage of them can also lead to drawbacks, including:
- Chemical introduction: Tap water in a humidifier can introduce chemicals and debris into your air, so distilled water is a better option.
- Bacterial growth: If not regularly cleaned, bacteria can breed in the humidifier’s water, causing eye irritation.
- Excessive humidity: Too much moisture can lead to mold growth or worsen respiratory conditions.
- Worsening symptoms: Inconsistent use of a humidifier may exacerbate symptoms or offer no improvement if you constantly go from dry to moist air.
What Type of Humidifier is Best for Dry Eyes?
Choosing the right humidifier involves balancing the potential benefits and your personal preferences. There are typically 2 types of humidifiers: warm mist and cool mist.
Warm mist humidifiers heat water to create humidity. While a warm mist is soothing to the skin, its excess heat may counteract the positive effect of more moisture and make it less ideal for dry eye relief.
A cool mist humidifier cools the air as it passes through an air filter. It can be more suitable for dry eyes and is safer around children and pets.
Addressing Dry Eyes Beyond Humidifiers
A humidifier may not always be the best solution for your dry eyes. Your eye doctor can suggest other effective treatments that address the root of your symptoms and provide long-term relief. Common dry eye treatments include:
- Artificial tears or lubricating eye drops
- Prescription eye drops to reduce inflammation or stimulate tear production
- Punctal plugs
- IPL therapy
- Meibomian gland expression
- Lifestyle modifications like monitoring screen time, adequate hydration, and a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can also help
Relief Starts in Getting To the Cause
At Higgins Brothers’ Vision Care, we recognize that dry eyes can hinder your daily routine. We want to be your go-to resource for finding the relief you need for everyday comfort. We offer many treatments that can target your dry eyes at the root of the problem.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment. Let’s see if we can help you say goodbye to your dry eye symptoms for good.
