Fans, ACs & Dry Eyes: Why Artificial Cooling Might Be Harming Your Vision

Feeling like your eyes are dry, itchy, or tired all the time — especially when you’re indoors with the fan or AC on? You’re not alone. At Eyecure Hospitals , we hear this all the time: “Can ACs really cause eye problems?” And the answer is yes. What’s Really Happening? Air conditioning and fans can help cool you off, but they tend to dehydrate the air around you. When the air is drier, the moisture produced in your natural tear film is lost more quickly from your eyes. That is when the trouble begins. Your eyes may come to feel: Dry and gritty Red or irritated Burning or stinging Challenging to see, especially after focusing on something for an extended period. These are all symptoms of dry eye syndrome. The truth is, the association of artificial cooling with visual complaints and eye dryness is much more prevalent than most people realize. Why Your Environment Matters It’s not just the AC — it’s also where and how you’re sitting. If you’re right under a fan or close to an...