With the holidays right around the corner, planning that next out-of-town trip is surely on your mind. If you typically travel by plane, chances are you’ve experienced red, itchy, gritty or watery eyes during your flight. These kinds of eye discomfort are commonly caused by dry eye.

Dry eye is usually due to poor tear quality, decreased tear production, eyelid problems and certain medications. When tears do not provide sufficient moisture, the eyes try to compensate for it by producing excessive tears.

What is it about airplanes and long flights that cause dry eye? According to Dr. Sharlene Noguera, Asian Eye Institute’s cornea and external disease specialist, “airplane cabins have low humidity, which makes tears evaporate faster than normal.”

Before you hop on that plane, note these tips to prevent dry eye:

Blink frequently. Blinking increases eye moisture. However, you blink less often when doing activities that require focus, like reading and using handheld devices. If you enjoy these activities while on a flight, rest your eyes for at least 20 seconds every 20 minutes.

Drink up! Dehydration makes dry eye worse, so drink plenty of water before, during and after your flight. Limit caffeinated and alcoholic drinks because they lead to dehydration. But if you cannot say no to them, drink extra water!

Pack a bottle of eye lubricant or artificial tears. Ease the gritty, itchy feeling and red eyes by using eye lubricants or artificial tears. This type of eye drops provides the moisture your eyes need to keep them hydrated. Consult your eye doctor first to find out which is the most appropriate and effective lubricant for you.

Wear your eyeglasses. Give your eyes a break from contact lenses while you are on the flight. Contact lenses are a potential irritant and can cause dry eye with extended wear.

Cover your eyes. Wear an eye mask while sleeping to protect your eyes from the increased humidity in the plane cabin.

Close the air-conditioning vent above your seat. Direct exposure to air-conditioning can speed up tear evaporation and dry the surface of your eyes.

Asian Eye offers consultations and comprehensive eye care for people experiencing dry eye. If you think you have dry eye, consult your ophthalmologist immediately. Kapamilya discounts apply: 50% off on consultations, 25% off on diagnostic examinations, treatments and surgeries. For more info, call 898-2020. (By Charizze Henson and Audrey Trinidad)