Just like the rest of your body, your eyes require special care to function effectively and avoid injury. Proper humidity between 40% and 60%RH will help avoid reddened eyes, swollen eyelids, high sensitivity to light, tired eyes, and headaches. When your eyes are in a properly humidified environment, they can protect against dry air and airborne pathogens. Proper humidity also allows you to work undisturbed in front of the screen, and safely wear contact lenses without drying out your eyes.
Humidity between 40% to 60% RH is considered the optimum range, and scientific studies have proven that your health improves when humidity is maintained in this range. If you want to learn more, check out the scientific studies that have been conducted on humidity control.
Don’t ignore what your eyes are telling you; humidity is important for protection and comfort.
The surface of our eyes, called the ‘tear film’, protects us from pathogens, particulates, and other environmental threats. When humidity levels in the air are too low, our eyes can dry out and the tear film layer is less effective. This can also lead to “office eye syndrome,” a common result of poor humidification in indoor office environments where employees use electronic screens for most of their workday. If the surface of our eye becomes too dry from poor indoor humidification and less blinking, then considerable irritation and infection of the conjunctiva can result.
Humidity protects against the consequences of intensive screen work. By staring at the screen for hours, we automatically reduce our blinking. Our protective tear film is not refreshed often enough. Consequently, swollen eyelids, redness, and high sensitivity to light are common symptoms.
Contact lens users need balanced, humid air because contact lenses themselves contain water content. If you are in a dry air environment, your lenses will be dehydrated. As a result, the cornea becomes dehydrated and your eyes become irritated.
Learn about the scientific studies conducted on humidity control
