Are you a flight attendant or do you fly frequently? Do you often have dry and puffy red eyes? Well you may be suffering from dry eyes – a reasonably common condition which can be brought on by environmental factors such as air conditioning and prolonged use of computer screens, tablets, smart phones.
According to research dry eyes is a common problem for flight attendants and passengers alike – especially for those who wear contacts. Humidity in airline carriers can run as low as 3% during flights and this dry environment and the pressure controlled cabin air can take its toll on your eyes.
A case study by Pharma Nord, explored this issue with ex-flight attendant Fiona Cameron, who worked as cabin crew for British Airways for 21 years. She would experience red, sore eyes first thing in the morning and they would often be streaming during the day. With their help, we’ve put together 5 top tips on how to treat and avoid dry eyes during a long haul flight.
STAY HYDRATED
Dehydration often makes dry eye symptoms worse. Make sure you drink before, during and after a flight. If you’re like us and enjoy drinking those little bottles of wine you get on airplanes, be sure to drink extra water to rehydrate yourself. Don’t be scared to go up and ask the cabin crew for extra water if you’re thirsty – they always have plenty of bottles in the back.
USE OMEGA 7 SBA24
Fiona swears by Omega 7 SBA24. She tried eye drops and sprays for months to no avail. Then she tried the natural supplement called Omega 7 SBA24 which worked wonders. To get technical, the essential fatty acids/ nutrients in Omega 7 SBA24 work systemically from the inside to help prevent the eyes from drying out.
Eye Drops
For quick relief, eye drops are great as they lubricate the eye. No one product works for everyone, so you may have to try a few before you find the right one for you. Artificial tears are available in most pharmacies, but it’s always best to consult your doctor before you put anything in your eye.
WEAR AN EYE MASK
Eye masks can help by acting as a barrier between your eyes and the environment on the plane, helping to protect your eyes. They also help block out the light if you’re trying to sleep!
WEAR GLASSES
Contact lenses are dry eyes’ worst enemy. If you wear contact lenses, switch to a pair of glasses for the duration of the flight. This will help to avoid additional dryness that often comes hand-in-hand with contact lens use.
