Why Do Your Eyes Feel Drier & More Irritated When Traveling?

Picture this: You’ve just landed after a long flight and your eyes feel like sandpaper. Or maybe you’ve embarked on a road trip, only to find that your eyes are burning and irritated. Sound familiar? You’re not alone! Many travelers report increased eye dryness on the road, and often note how changes in climate, environment, and habits can wreak havoc on your delicate tear film. Today, we’ll explore why this happens whether you're traveling to a dry destination like Arizona or to a humid spot like Hawaii. Plus, we’ll share 8 proven ways to keep your eyes feeling fresh—from the airport to your hotel room.

5 Reasons Why Traveling Causes Eye Dryness

• Low Humidity in Airplane Cabins: Aircraft cabins often have humidity levels of 10-20%, causing tears to evaporate more rapidly.
• Environmental Swings: Moving from one climate to another—especially drastic shifts—can destabilize your eyes’ natural moisture balance.
• Screen Overload: Long flights, layovers, and travel delays mean extra screen time with phones, tablets, and laptops, lowering your blink rate and encouraging dryness.
• Poor Sleep Quality: Jet lag, uncomfortable seating, and altered sleep schedules can reduce tear production and exacerbate dryness.
• Allergens & Debris: New places mean new allergens, dust, and pollutants that can irritate your eyes and reduce tear film stability.

Dry vs. Humid Destinations

Arizona (Dry Climate): The desert air in places like Arizona is extremely low in humidity. Your tears evaporate quickly, leaving your eyes feeling gritty and irritated. Even short exposure outdoors can make you feel like you’ve spent hours in a dehydrating environment.

 

 

 

Hawaii (Humid Climate): In contrast, the lush, tropical environment of Hawaii is typically more humid, which helps maintain the eye’s moisture.

However, don’t be fooled—intense air conditioning in hotel rooms, rental cars, and indoor attractions can still cause dryness. Your eyes must adapt to shifting from humid outdoors to cooler, drier indoor spaces.

 

 

8 Tips & Tools to Keep Your Eyes Hydrated & Happy

• Use a We Love Eyes Focused Eye Roll: The We Love Eyes Focused Eye Roll helps release essential oils into the tear film. Perfect for on-the-go use in airplanes, hotels, and as needed. Use ice for an instant cold rolling compress.
• Apply a We Love Eyes Mist Cleansing Spray: Keep the We Love Eyes Mist Cleansing Spray handy for instant moisture, soothing relief, and a quick eyelid refresh.
• Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water supports tear production and general eye health, especially during long-haul flights.
• Use a Portable Humidifier: A small travel humidifier in your hotel room can help maintain a comfortable humidity level.
• Schedule Screen Breaks: Every 20 minutes, look away from your screen and blink purposefully to promote tear distribution.
• Wear Protective Eyewear: Sunglasses or wraparound glasses block out dry air and dust, providing a moisture-preserving shield.
• Choose Artificial Tears Wisely: Select preservative-free lubricating drops (not Visine or Clear Eyes) to avoid additional irritation.
• Warm Compresses: A gentle warm compress before bedtime helps unclog meibomian glands, improving oil flow and reducing dryness.

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About Dr. Tanya Gill, OD & We Love Eyes: Dr. Tanya Gill, an optometrist and founder of weloveeyes.com, understands how dry eyes can ruin a perfectly good vacation. Have an eye problem? Find your eye problem at We Love Eyes and live your next vacation, xo