Gradually the weather is changing and the feeling of heat is also beginning. Air conditioner (AC) has started running in the office also. Most of the people have started sitting in AC for a long time in the office, hence many people start feeling burning sensation, stinging and dryness in the eyes. Although this problem is quite common, it cannot be ignored immediately. Otherwise, later on the problem of dry eye syndrome starts. There may be many scientific reasons behind this, which are very important to understand. Let us tell you what happens if you sit in AC for hours.
AC reduces the humidity of the room.
The most visible effect of AC running is on the humidity of the room. The air conditioner absorbs excess moisture from the environment, causing the air to become dry. When the humidity in the air decreases, the layer of tears present on the surface of the eyes starts drying quickly. These tears provide moisture to the eyes and keep them safe. When they dry up too fast, the eyes start feeling dry, irritated and uncomfortable.
If you sit continuously in an AC environment, cold and dry air directly affects the eyes. Especially if you are sitting directly below the AC or in front of the vent, the air flow reduces the moisture in the eyes even faster. Due to which your eyes may start feeling burning, redness and sometimes even blurred vision.
Too much screen time worsens the condition
This problem can increase due to continuous use of computer, laptop or mobile screen in office. While watching the screen, our eyelids blink less than usual, which hinders the process of formation and spread of tears in the eyes. At the same time, dry air of AC and less blinking together make the eyes even more dry, due to which irritation and heaviness can be felt.
Effect of allergen in closed rooms
Generally, there is less natural circulation of air in an office with AC. Due to which dust, allergens and small particles keep circulating in the air, which enter the eyes and cause irritation and itching. For people who already suffer from allergies or dry eye syndrome, this condition can cause more problems.
Who are at risk?
– When working on screen for a long time
– Contact lens users
– People with allergies and sinus
– People already suffering from dry eye syndrome
– Women after age 30+ (due to hormonal reasons)
What can happen if ignored?
If timely attention is not given, this problem can later take the form of chronic dry eye syndrome. Due to this, vision becomes blurry, there can be persistent pain in the eyes and the problem can increase due to bright light. Additionally, the possibility of recurring eye infections also increases significantly.
How to recognize that AC is harming the eyes?
– More jealousy in office, less at home
– Feeling like sand in the eyes
– Heaviness while looking at the screen
– Feeling like rubbing eyes again and again
