Benefits
Controlled humidity between 40% and 60% prevents the tear film from evaporating and prevents eye irritation and discomfort.
Fewer Complaints
Controlled humidity protects the eyes from irritation and conjunctivitis.
Higher Performance
Improved productivity, concentration and well-being with optimized humidity.
Employer of Choice
Workplace health promotion makes employers attractive.
Humidity reduces eye diseases
Air that is too dry can be very stressful for the eyes and often leads to symptoms such as swollen eyelids, redness, burning, increased sensitivity to light and inflammation of the conjunctiva. The main cause of this is insufficient lubrication of the surface of the eye with tear fluid. An intact tear film protects the surface of the eye from dust and particles.
Dry eye syndrome is one of the most common eye diseases. The condition, also known as Sicca-Syndrome, is exacerbated by external factors such as low humidity, dust and draughts, as these reduce the protective tear film on the eyes.
It is particularly important to ensure an optimal indoor climate when working frequently at a computer. A controlled humidity level of between 40% and 60% is ideal for protecting the function of the tear film and preventing dryness.
Dry eye syndrome is one of the most common eye diseases. The condition, also known as Sicca-Syndrome, is exacerbated by external factors such as low humidity, dust and draughts, as these reduce the protective tear film on the eyes.
It is particularly important to ensure an optimal indoor climate when working frequently at a computer. A controlled humidity level of between 40% and 60% is ideal for protecting the function of the tear film and preventing dryness.
Dry air weakens the tear film
Low humidity affects the production and quality of the tear film. Dry eyes are caused not only by a reduced quantity of tear fluid, but also by changes in its composition. The tear film consists of several layers: directly on the eye is a mucous layer that ensures that the watery main layer of the tear fluid does not evaporate or run off too quickly.
The goblet cells of the conjunctiva are responsible for producing the protective mucus. If the relative humidity drops below 30%, the cell density of these goblet cells decreases significantly. This results in less mucus being produced and jeopardises the stability of the watery part of the tear fluid.
Excessively low humidity therefore not only leads to accelerated evaporation of the tear film, but also to reduced mucus production.
The goblet cells of the conjunctiva are responsible for producing the protective mucus. If the relative humidity drops below 30%, the cell density of these goblet cells decreases significantly. This results in less mucus being produced and jeopardises the stability of the watery part of the tear fluid.
Excessively low humidity therefore not only leads to accelerated evaporation of the tear film, but also to reduced mucus production.
Contact Lenses and Humidity
Contact lenses react to the humidity in the air around them because they themselves have a certain water content, which varies between 30 and 80 percent depending on the type of lens. Lenses with a higher water content need to absorb moisture from their surroundings, otherwise they dry out more quickly. In dry air, contact lenses release more moisture, which also causes the tear film on the eye to dry out more quickly. This results in a shorter wearing time for the contact lenses and discomfort, such as scratching and burning in the eye.
Regulated humidity, ideally between 40% and 60%, helps contact lenses retain their moisture and reduces strain on the eye. Measures such as the use of humidifiers help to optimise the indoor climate and humidity for contact lens wearers.
Regulated humidity, ideally between 40% and 60%, helps contact lenses retain their moisture and reduces strain on the eye. Measures such as the use of humidifiers help to optimise the indoor climate and humidity for contact lens wearers.
Middle aqueous layer
The largest layer of the tear film is the Aqueous layer excreted from the Lacrimal gland. Insufficient humidity affects the thickness and function of the tear film.
Outer lipid layer
The outer Lipid layer is slightly oily, excreted from the Meibomian gland, lubricates the eye lid movement and inhibits evaporation of the Aqueous layer.
Inner mucous layer
The inner Mucous layer, excreted from the Conjunctival goblet cells, holds the tear film to the eye. If the humidity is too low, the goblet cells produce less mucus.
Preventive measures against dry eyes are beneficial in many industries and applications
Discover Condair in action
Optimal Humidity in Warsaw’s Cosmopolitan Tower, Poland
The 160-meter Twarda Tower in central Warsaw, designed by Helmut Jahn, features 44 floors, 488 luxury apartments, and premium amenities. Condair steam humidifiers ensure ideal indoor humidity throughout the high-rise.
Agbar Tower
Agbar Tower is a 32-story office complex located directly on the famed Plaça de les Glòries Catalanes in Barcelona. Its outer form resembles that of the 30 St Mary Axe office building in London, which was built at around the same time. Agbar Tower’s glass facade is intended to represent a water fountain which changes its colors depending on the angle of the light. This is accomplished with 40 different shades of paint that reflect the light in different ways. The effect is reinforced by thousands of glass louvers that are mounted on the outside of the facade to provide sun protection. Based on the position of the sun, they turn to provide the highest possible degree of reflection, and to create natural air circulation inside the building. At night, Agbar Tower is lit by 4,500 LED spotlights in changing colors and can be seen from far away — every bit as clearly as by day. Condair RS steam humidifiers provide optimal humidity levels for visitors to Agbar Tower.
Bloomberg
The European headquarters of the media company Bloomberg in London was designed by the architects Foster + Partners and opened in 2017. The building complex is one million square meters in size and has many details that have been the result of months of research and development, such as a ceiling decorated with petals that provides lighting and cooling, but also acoustic insulation.The building consists of two ten-story blocks connected by a bridge. An arcade of restaurants selected by Bloomberg's restaurant critics runs between them. The building uses 70% less water and 40% less energy than conventional office buildings and was even awarded the Stirling Prize in 2018.Condair ME evaporative humidifiers are maintaining the ideal indoor humidity for the preservation of the wooden interiors and a healthy environment for visitors.
ADAC Center, Munich
In March 2012, ADAC's new headquarters officially opened for business after six years of construction. Since December 2011, the office has been home to some 2,400 employees in over 100 professions, who were previously spread out across seven different locations. Bringing them all together in one place will encourage innovative ways of working, improve the speed of business processes, and simplify member services.
Bauhaus
The Bauhaus in Dessau is considered the home of modern 20th century architecture. The building was opened in 1926 and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, together with the Bauhaus site in Weimar.First it was built as a university according to the plans of Walter Gropius. In the meantime it has become the headquarters of the Bauhaus Dessau Foundation. The design of the building, which for the first timerelied predominantly on steel and glass, had a lasting impact on the architecture of the last century.The focus is on the principles of functionalism combined with outstanding architectural quality. Condair CP3 steam humidifiers ensure a pleasant interior climate.
Allianz-Arena, Munich
The Allianz Arena was one of the most controversial construction projects, even prompting a public vote by Munich citizens. It has since become a central landmark in northern Munich and an architectural symbol of the city. Particularly striking is the translucent, diamond-shaped outer shell, which can glow in different colors.
Using projectors and asymmetrical parabolic mirrors developed specifically for the Allianz Arena, the diamonds can be illuminated in different colors depending on the club's colors. The stadium is around 50 meters high, 200 meters long, and can accommodate 66,000 spectators. Condair RS steam humidifiers ensure optimum humidity levels.
Using projectors and asymmetrical parabolic mirrors developed specifically for the Allianz Arena, the diamonds can be illuminated in different colors depending on the club's colors. The stadium is around 50 meters high, 200 meters long, and can accommodate 66,000 spectators. Condair RS steam humidifiers ensure optimum humidity levels.
Bálna, Budapest
The Bálna (the whale) is a commercial, cultural, and gastronomic center in the heart of Budapest. It connects the city center with the tourist and gastronomic zone on the riverbank. In addition to its avant-garde exterior, the interior design also alludes to the appearance of a whale.
It is predominantly characterized by steel, aluminum, glass, bone-colored concrete, and satin-gray aluminum surfaces. Sunlight streams through the transparent glass roof, sparkling on the highly polished concrete and wooden floors, the terrazzo-patterned stairs, and the chrome steel escalators. Steam humidifiers from Condair ensure a pleasant level of humidity.
It is predominantly characterized by steel, aluminum, glass, bone-colored concrete, and satin-gray aluminum surfaces. Sunlight streams through the transparent glass roof, sparkling on the highly polished concrete and wooden floors, the terrazzo-patterned stairs, and the chrome steel escalators. Steam humidifiers from Condair ensure a pleasant level of humidity.
Amy Storm Residence, Chicago
Interior designer Amy Storm undertook a year‚ long design/build of her own Chicago‚ area home, Shelter for the Storms, and chose Condair's MN flexible humidification system to tackle the dry winter climate. Presented with the challenge of low indoor humidity that causes discomfort and can damage wood furnishings and artwork, she required a system that could integrate with radiant heating and forced‚ air cooling while preserving her design vision. The Condair MN system uses a mesh‚ nebulizer humidification method without traditional ductwork, providing precise control of indoor humidity in the ideal 40‚ 60% RH range. The result: a home transformed into a sanctuary of comfort and wellness, where art and books are protected, residents feel better, and trust in the ongoing support was affirmed. The installation was tightly coordinated over a nine‚ month construction phase, and the system‚ performance and seamless integration exceeded expectations.
JURA Kommunikations-Center, Nürnberg (Germany)
To protect against respiratory diseases and voice disorders, the Jura Customer Communication Centre uses in- room humidification systems.
Amundi Deutschland GmbH, München (Germany)
Amundi Germany is an expert in making the right investments. At its Munich office, the investment company manages assets of 52 billion euros and employs a total of 150 people. "The feel-good factor plays a very important role in the optimal working conditions of our employees," says Klaus Mutzl, Head of Operations Munich.
Robert Koch-Institut, Berlin (Germany)
With the retrofitting of in-room humidification systems, the Robert Koch-Institute protects laboratory staff from health risks and increases their well-being.
Hella GmbH & Co. KGaA, Recklinghausen (Germany)
ESD protection, additional cooling and greater employee satisfaction are the key benefits of in-room humidification at the HELLA electronics plant.
Laverana GmbH & Co. KG, Hannover (Germany)
For the natural cosmetics manufacturer in-room humidification pays off twice: protection against dry mucous membranes and respiratory infections, and appreciation for employees.
Jungheinrich Service & Parts AG&Co. KG, Kaltenkirchen (Germany)
Optimal humidity in open-plan office environments. Additional in-room humidification ensures health protection and high employee satisfaction.
se-austria GmbH & Co. KG, Schörfling am Attersee (Austria)
With in-room humidification, the indoor climate for employees could be improved without costly renovation of the air conditioning system. For better health and well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does dry air cause eye problems?
Why is humidity important for healthy eyes?
What is Office-Eye-Syndrome?
What are the symptoms of dry eyes?
Does dry air affect contact lens wear?
Get Free Expert Advice
If you’re exploring options for humidity control, Condair’s expert sales engineers can visit your site, review your project requirements, and provide tailored recommendations.
Prefer to connect remotely? Our team is always available for a phone call or online meeting to discuss your needs, answer questions, and provide complimentary technical guidance.
Need more information
or expert guidance?
or expert guidance?
Get in Touch with Condair
Find out more on your country’s website
Contact your local Condair representative who can help you with all of your humidification, dehumidification, and evaporative cooling projects.