airtravel and going to las vegas? worried!

[karensumner]

hello ,

I am new to this board but would like to introduce myself. My name is Karen and I have Sjogren's syndrome as well as meibomian gland dysfunction. My eyes are very very dry to the point they feel as there is always something in them. I do have protective sunglasses but they only help so much .

I was wondering if anyone on here lives in las vegas or the desert area or have traveled there/ if so how bad is it on severe dry eyes? Also is riding in an airplane very bad for dry eyes?

Thank you kindly,

Karen

[LaDiva]

I flew to Arizona and spent some time there. It was pretty much like being at home. The plane wasn't a problem. I drank plenty of water and napped. Also wore sealed sunglasses. Have a good time on your trip!

[karensumner]

thank you! I live in Illinois so I wasnt sure of the extra dryness in Las Vegas..

[karensumner]

thank you-may i ask where you live-or what part of the country? i am in Illinois so am used to a lot of humidity..thank you!

[LaDiva]

Hi Karen,
We are in California. Not much humidity, although we've had some tropical fronts lately. Great for the eyes! I'd say take your goggles or sealed glasses on your trip, and keep doing whatever else you are already doing to treat your eyes. I always check to make sure there will be a microwave available for hot compresses, because that is part of my on-going rice baggie regimen. For sure it will be drier in Vegas than Illinois, so make sure you have your goggles and sunglasses. You are welcome!

[Roe72]

Hi Karen. I have MGD and ocular rosacea. I live in Alabama (very humid). Recently I visited my sister who lives in Albuquerque. Very hot and very dry. I was in hell! The only thing that saved me was the swamp cooler which put some humidity in the air and also I wore my motorcycle goggles most of the time. Good luck! Also, I forgot to say, wore sealed sunglasses on the plane and did not have a problem.

[karensumner]

thank you both. my sunglasses are the ziena type so they have a silicone type insert but do not completely seal to my face-if i push them too close they fog up.. i have a rx lens so cannot just wear any type of sunglasses. I also have ocular rosacea.. I have read las vegas is the number #1 dry eye city which has me worried a bit..

Roe-what type of sealed sunglasses did you wear? i was thinking of using tranquileyes and just keeping my eyes shut.

Also where I live is very humid however with my sjogrens there are days when my eyes feel like glue even with my sunglasses .. Not sure how I am going to do in Vegas-plus i heard the hotels are bad with the a/c and i know in the casinos there is smoking.. not sure what to do.

[LaDiva]

Karen, I wear these: http://www.thehouseofharley.com/Men-.../98208-07v.htm

I have a small face, so they fit well. If you have a large face, they won't. Best of luck to you.

[karensumner]

i have tried those/or similiar but my rx is too high unfortunately...
i wonder if i postpone my trip to march if i will do better. Is the dryness better in March?

[farmgirl]

I too have Sjogren's and went to Vegas in July 2 years ago. It was very HOT and there is AC blowing everywhere esp in the car. The sun was bright which is difficult if you are photophobic like me. I recall my eyes being worse but survived. Needless to say I was happy to get home

[Roe72]

Karen, I think there are sealed sunglasses that you can get your prescription put in. I think I saw some in the dry eye shop.

[Katewest]

I live in So Utah about 2 hours east of Vegas. The Vegas airport was really harsh on my eyes. I would suggest finding a nice quiet place to get a drink/food and wait there instead of the crowded terminal. The sun is so bright and its so hot in Vegas. I would also add a sleep mask or goggles for when you are in the hotel.

[PotatoCakes]

Vegas & air travel is difficult for me. Bring LOTS of eye drops. If you use serum drops, bring them, along with an arsenal of other preservative-free drops. Not only is it very dry in Vegas but the A/C is on everywhere. Manufactured air all over the place. Protective eyewear is key. If you have a travel humidifier, bring it. If you don't, consider getting one. I put mine right beside my bed at night, in addition to my plastic wrap. If you don't have a travel humidifier and can't buy one, fill the sink and / or bathtub with water when you arrive. It isn't as good as a humidifier but it will help some.

[karensumner]

Karen, I think there are sealed sunglasses that you can get your prescription put in. I think I saw some in the dry eye shop.

thanks. i have the ziena type.. i tried some harley ones before but they just fogged up and i couldnt wear them. my rx is -5.. pretty high.. i am getting a little worried that maybe i shouldnt go. if my eyes are going to be that much worse even in march i wont have any fun.

[karensumner]

[QUOTE=karensumner;84808]thanks. i have the ziena type.. i tried some harley ones before but they just fogged up and i couldnt wear them. my rx is -5.. pretty high.. i am getting a little worried that maybe i shouldnt go. if my eyes are going to be that much worse even in march i wont have any fun.

if the Ziena sit too close on my face they fog up.. they keep wind out pretty good and air blowing at me but i wouldnt really say they create a ton of moisture...
well i have until Oct to decide if i am going.. I was just hoping March would be a good time to be there... i didnt realize it would be so hot there at that time..