Humidity plays an important role in eye health. Ideally, a humidity level of 45% or more is best for the eyes. When the humidity level drops below this, it can have a negative impact on eye health.

According to Dr Dhanashree Wankhede, Cataract Surgeon and Glaucoma Specialist, Dr Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, the rate of tear evaporation increases in dry climate, thereby reducing tear stability, production and lipid layer thickness.

This causes the surface of the eye to dry out rapidly between blinks, leading to irritation.

“Dry eye is a common eye condition in which the tear film is reduced, leading to irritation, redness, burning, and discomfort. The ideal weather conditions for the eye are moderate temperature and humidity with low wind and low ultraviolet (UV) light,” Dr Wankhede said.

One study found that spending just one hour in an environment with 5% humidity can produce a tear film similar to that of a person suffering from dry eye syndrome.

Other weather conditions such as temperature, sunlight and air pressure also affect eye health. Moderate temperatures, humidity, low wind and low UV light are ideal for the eyes.

High temperatures in low humidity conditions increase the risk of dry eye, as heat causes tears to evaporate faster. Cold weather, which often means low humidity, also affects eye health by reducing the stability of tears and the thickness of the lipid layer.

“Seasonal changes in temperature, humidity and air pressure also affect the eyes. It is possible that changes in temperature between seasons affect humidity and therefore dry eye symptoms more than the actual seasonal temperature,” Dr Wankhede said.

How you can keep your eyes healthy during low humidity, according to experts.

• Use a humidifier: Indoor humidifiers increase the relative humidity, which is good for the eyes.
• Drink plenty of fluids: Your eyes use a lot of fluids to stay moist. In hot and/or dry environments, it’s a good idea to increase fluid intake.
• Wear glasses to protect your eyes: UV-blocking sunglasses and goggles can help prevent eye damage in extreme conditions.
• Keep hot air away from your face: While driving in cold weather, do not let the hot air coming out of the AC come on your face, as this can damage your eyes.
• Keep plants indoors: Plants have been found to remove certain types of pollutants from the air and generally keep the environment moist.

Finally, Dr Wankhede advised that whenever you feel any eye discomfort, you should visit an eye doctor, irrespective of the season.