How to Deal with Dry Eyes While Driving: Tips and Prevention
Driving with dry eyes is not only uncomfortable but can also be dangerous. According to a 2022 study, dry eyes impacted the driving ability of nearly 30% of people with dry eyes and 41% of people with severe dry eyes, compared to 15% of people without the condition. To help you manage dry eyes while driving, here are some tips and causes of dry eyes to look out for.
Causes of Dry Eyes While Driving
The National Eye Institute suggests that dry eye may be caused by a reduction in tear production or your tears evaporating too quickly. The eye is covered by a tear film that helps lubricate and protect your eye, as well as manage light refraction. Several factors may affect your tear film while driving, resulting in tear dysregulation, such as:
- Direct airflow from air ventilation or winds from an open window
- Not blinking enough, such as due to concentration while driving at night
- Glares, such as sunlight on snow, wet pavement, or windows
- Bright, flickering lights
Other Risk Factors for Dry Eye
According to the NEI, other risk factors may also contribute to dry eye, including:
- Being older than age 50 years
- Being assigned female at birth
- Wearing contact lenses
- Eating a diet low in vitamin A
- Taking certain medications, such as for allergies, hypertension, and depression
- Having certain health conditions, such as diabetes, Sjögren syndrome, and lupus
- Previously having eye surgery
Tips for Driving with Dry Eyes
Dry eyes can be a particularly frustrating and uncomfortable issue, especially when driving. The following tips can help you prevent or manage dry eyes while driving:
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Apply Artificial Tears:
Using over-the-counter (OTC) artificial tears or eye drops before driving can help keep your eyes lubricated and protected. Artificial tears can help replace the natural tears your eyes produce, ensuring that your eyes remain moisturized and comfortable. It's essential to choose a high-quality product that is preservative-free, as preservatives can sometimes cause irritation.
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Wear Glasses Instead of Contact Lenses:
If you're going on a long drive, consider wearing glasses instead of contact lenses. Contact lenses can sometimes exacerbate dry eye symptoms, as they can absorb the tears from your eyes. Wearing glasses can help protect your eyes from wind, dust, and other irritants that can contribute to dry eyes.
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Blink More Frequently:
Blinking more often can help increase tear production and tear film stability. When driving, it's easy to forget to blink, which can lead to dry eyes. Try to make a conscious effort to blink more frequently, especially when driving for long periods. This can help keep your eyes moisturized and comfortable.
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Protect Your Eyes:
Sunlight and winds blowing in the car from an open window may increase dry eyes. Try wearing wraparound sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun's harmful UV rays and wind. This can help keep your eyes moisturized and comfortable, even when driving for long periods.
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Re-Direct Ventilation:
Direct airflow into the eyes may cause your tears to evaporate more quickly. Try turning your vents away from your eyes so that air doesn't flow directly into your face. This can help keep your eyes moisturized and comfortable, even when driving for long periods.
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Take Periodic Breaks:
Taking breaks and letting your eyes rest from driving may help ease dry eye symptoms. Try to take a break every hour or so, and give your eyes a chance to rest. This can help reduce eye strain and dryness, and can help keep your eyes comfortable and refreshed.
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Stay Hydrated:
Drinking plenty of water can help keep your eyes moisturized and comfortable. Make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, especially when driving for long periods.
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Adjust Your Car's Interior:
Consider adjusting your car's interior to help reduce dry eye symptoms. For example, you can adjust the temperature and humidity levels to create a more comfortable environment for your eyes. You can also adjust the lighting in your car to reduce glare and eye strain.
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Consider Prescription Medication:
If you have chronic dry eye symptoms, consider talking to your doctor about prescription medication. Your doctor may prescribe medication that can help increase tear production and reduce dry eye symptoms.
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Avoid Smoke and Other Irritants:
Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke, as this can exacerbate dry eye symptoms. Additionally, try to avoid exposure to other irritants, such as air pollution and dust, which can contribute to dry eyes.
When to Seek Help for Your Dry Eyes
Some OTC remedies like artificial tears may help relieve dry eyes while driving. However, you shouldn't use artificial tears with preservatives more than four times per day. Speak with a healthcare professional if your dry eyes don't improve after a few weeks or if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- A continuous glare when driving that affects your vision
- Blurriness or changes in your vision
- A gritty, burning sensation
A doctor could provide a proper diagnosis and develop a treatment plan that's right for you. Depending on the underlying cause of your dry eyes, treatments may include lifestyle and dietary changes, prescription eye drops, tear duct plugs, topical anti-inflammatories, or pulse light therapy.
FAQs
Q: Why do my eyes get so dry while driving? A: Your eyes may get dry while driving for several reasons, such as blinking less often, being exposed to sunlight and glare, and being exposed to winds from an open window or air from your vents.
Q: How do you prevent eye fatigue while driving? A: Some ways to help prevent eye fatigue while driving include blinking more often, wearing glasses instead of contact lenses, taking breaks while driving, and wearing wraparound sunglasses when it's sunny outside.
Q: How do you know if dry eyes are serious? A: Speak with a healthcare professional if your dry eyes don't improve after using OTC remedies for a few weeks. Get immediate medical attention if you experience sudden blurriness, floaters, or blindness. These symptoms may be a sign of retinal detachment.
