Hardy travelers typically dismiss tired, dry, itchy, or red eyes as byproducts of their demanding lifestyles (think “red-eye” flights). Though these symptoms might signal allergies, fatigue, or overuse, they could also signify more serious eye problems.

Repeated exposure to dry cabin air, lengthy reading in low-light situations (the usual condition during flights and in many hotel rooms) and frequent climatic changes make flyers prime candidates for intermittent situational dry-eye syndrome, notes Dr. Bruce Grene, an ophthalmologist who specializes in external eye disease.

Dry eye, a condition in which the surface of the eye is left unprotected by a normal coating of tears, is among the most common—and ignored—eye problems. It affects more women than men and can be triggered by hormonal fluctuations (think pregnancy).

Over 33 million U.S. adults are affected by dry eyes, though most are unfamiliar with it. For many diabetics, dry-eye syndrome is a byproduct of taking medications such as those prescribed for high blood pressure. People with autoimmune disorders and thyroid deficiencies may also experience the symptoms of dry eye.

“You don’t produce either the right quality or quantity of natural tears needed to keep the eye moist and comfortable,” Grene explains. As a result, eyes may feel gritty, are red, and may sting or burn. Symptoms come and go but get more persistent—and uncomfortable—as the day progresses. Ironically, weepy, watering eyes are classic signs of dry eye rarely associated with the condition. Eye pain, diminished vision, and sensitivity to light are present in serious cases.

Dry eye is unpleasant for anyone but it can be especially problematic for contact lens wearers, Grene adds. “Lens wearers need…tears under contacts...to keep lenses from drying out and becoming stuck on the eye.”

MORE THAN DISTRACTING AND UNPLEASANT
Untreated, dry eye can lead to corneal scarring or ulceration, which are painful and serious eye problems. Once diagnosed, however, treatment is relatively simple. In most cases, physicians recommend using artificial tear products, which supplement natural tears and promote moistness, comfort and corneal healing. Grene recommends a drop in each eye every hour or two while flying. If you wake up with scratchy eyes, consider an overnight treatment.

Choose individually bottled, non-preserved artificial tears (such as Refresh Plus, Bion Tears, Thera Tears and Bausch & Lomb Dry Eye Therapy), which reduces the risk of exposure to toxic or irritating preservatives and follow the instructions.

HOW TO PREVENT DRY EYES
Prevention is key and you can conserve your natural tears by upping your blink rate (which decreases to two-thirds the normal rate when reading); avoiding or limiting exposure to smog, allergens, smoke, and airborne pollution and over-heated or air-conditioned rooms; minimizing the use of drying medications (antihistamines, decongestants, diuretics, etc.) and bypassing alcoholic drinks.

Most important (and a real-challenge for eyeglass-fearing workaholics): Don’t wear contacts during a flight (switch to glasses) and never while sleeping or napping. Never leave them on overnight no matter where you are.

Everyone cautions against using eye-whitening products—they can be addictive, offer only a cosmetic effect, and may mask serious problems.

If you spend a lot of hours doing close work on or off a computer, take regular breaks. Even closing your eyes for 60 seconds every half-hour to rest them can help.

NOTE: If your symptoms last more than a few days, are severe, or you have a disease that is associated with dry eye, you should consult an ophthalmologist. You may need a complete physical and blood tests for a proper diagnosis. In the meantime, avoid using any type of tear-replacement products. Different levels of dryness require different types of products and an eye specialist can determine which type can best help your specific symptoms.