Dry and Polluted Air Causes Eye Discomfort, Worse in Winter, Report Eye Researcher

Grants Pass, OR (PRWEB) October 16, 2013

Winter weather can dry out the eyes, reports water and eye researcher Sharon Kleyne. According to Kleyne, dehumidification of the air due to decreased ambient water vapor pressure or humidity, along with increased air pollution particles, can negatively impact daily comfort and health. Common health symptoms that are caused by this altered atmospheric environment, says Kleyne, citing the work of John Ng, MD, include dry eyes, irritated nasal and oral passageways, headaches and lethargy.

Sharon Kleyne is Founder of Bio-Logic Aqua Research, a water and health research center whose signature product is Natures Tears® EyeMist®. Kleyne also hosts the globally syndicated Sharon Kleyne Hour Power of Water® radio show on VoiceAmerica and Apple iTunes. John Ng, MD, MS, FACS, is a research ophthalmologist and a consultant for Bio-Logic Aqua Research.

For several reasons, according to Kleyne, dry eye complaints may be worse in winter. First, colder air can’t hold as much water vapor as warmer air. Second, inversion layers that trap and hold polluted warm air are much stronger in winter. Third, more time is spent indoors in winter, where the air is often too dry due to forced-air heating and cooling. Finally, when it’s cold outside, moving rapidly from indoors to outdoors can disrupt skin and eye functioning.    

Studies have shown, Kleyne reports, again citing Dr. Ng, that changes in environmental water vapor pressure as a result of industrial and vehicular air pollution can adversely affect the health of the eye surface. This is due to the increased tendency of tears to evaporate under increased ambient water vapor pressure. This increased evaporation disrupts the delicate balance required for moist, healthy, comfortable eyes. The mucus membranes of the mouth, nose and airways may be similarly affected.

One way to quickly and safely compensate for these seasonal changes in the air, says Kleyne, is to improve one’s personal microenvironment. Air filters can help remove airborne particles from homes and work places. But some filters may also affect humidity and ozone levels.

To quickly moisten dehydrated eyes and skin, and to compensate for an imbalanced atmospheric environment, Kleyne recommends the application of an all-natural, preservative-free, 100% water micro-mist using a specially designed personal portable hand-held medical device. According to Kleyne, pure water applied in this manner will restore water vapor to eyes and other mucus membranes and improve comfort and health.

The only consumer product meeting the above description is Nature’s Tears® EyeMist®, which Kleyne describes as a “logical, economical and safe solution to help combat the adverse effects of the current altered environment on our eyes, skin, mucus membranes and airway passages. The mist can provide relief from irritation due to dehydration and specifically for the eyes, and help correct tear film imbalance due to more rapid tear evaporation from environmental factors, whether outdoors or in airplanes or buildings".

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