**Santa Fe Sleep: Altitude Lies Drying Senior Eyes?**

By Franklin Everett Shaw

January 5, 2026

Have you ever woken up in Santa Fe feeling like your eyeballs are lined with sandpaper? It’s not just you. The “Land of Enchantment” can quickly turn into the “Land of Dry Eyes” for many, especially seniors relocating to this high-altitude desert oasis. But don’t despair! With a few strategic adjustments and readily available resources, you can keep your peepers happy and hydrated.

Santa Fe’s unique environment presents a triple threat to ocular moisture: high altitude, low humidity, and abundant sunshine. The altitude, hovering around 7,000 feet, means thinner air and faster evaporation. The arid climate, with its single-digit humidity levels, sucks moisture from everything, including your eyes. And let’s not forget the intense New Mexico sun, which can further exacerbate dryness.

So, what can you do? Let’s break it down into actionable steps, focusing on solutions easily accessible in Santa Fe.

First, humidification is key. Don’t even think about unpacking without a good humidifier. A whole-house humidifier is ideal, but if that’s not feasible, invest in several room humidifiers. I recommend evaporative humidifiers over ultrasonic ones. Evaporative humidifiers use a wick filter to absorb water and a fan to blow air through it, releasing moisture. They’re less likely to produce white dust (a common complaint with ultrasonic models) and are generally better at maintaining consistent humidity levels.

Specifically, consider the Honeywell HCM-630 Evaporative Humidifier. It’s readily available at the Santa Fe Walgreens on St. Michael’s Drive and is known for its quiet operation and ease of cleaning. Aim for a humidity level between 40-60% in your home. A hygrometer (humidity monitor) is a cheap and effective way to track this. You can find one at the CVS on Cerrillos Road.

Next, eye drops are your best friend. But not all eye drops are created equal. Avoid drops with preservatives, as these can irritate your eyes over time. Look for preservative-free artificial tears.

My top recommendation, easily found at both Walgreens and CVS in Santa Fe, is Systane Ultra Preservative-Free Lubricant Eye Drops. They provide excellent lubrication and are gentle enough for frequent use. Another good option is Refresh Relieva PF Lubricant Eye Drops. Experiment to see which one works best for you. Don’t be afraid to try a few different brands.

Pro Tip: Keep a bottle of eye drops in your car, especially if you’re driving around Santa Fe. The dry air and bright sun can quickly dry out your eyes.

Now, let’s talk about CPAP machines. Many seniors relocating to Santa Fe use CPAP machines for sleep apnea. The dry air can make CPAP therapy incredibly uncomfortable, leading to a dry nose, mouth, and, you guessed it, dry eyes.

The solution? Heated humidification. Most modern CPAP machines have a built-in humidifier. Make sure yours is turned on and properly adjusted. The key is finding the right humidity level. Too low, and you’ll still experience dryness. Too high, and you’ll get “rainout” – condensation in the tubing that can gurgle and disrupt your sleep.

Start with a mid-range setting and adjust up or down until you find the sweet spot. If you’re still struggling, consider a heated CPAP tube. This helps maintain the humidity level throughout the night and prevents condensation. You can find CPAP supplies, including heated tubes, at medical supply stores in Santa Fe, such as Apria Healthcare on Siler Road.

Challenge: Many people mistakenly believe that distilled water is only necessary for the CPAP humidifier chamber.

Solution: Always use distilled water in your CPAP humidifier. Tap water contains minerals that can damage the machine and potentially introduce bacteria into your airways. You can purchase distilled water in bulk at most grocery stores in Santa Fe, like Trader Joe’s.

Beyond humidifiers and eye drops, consider these additional strategies:

• Wear sunglasses. Protect your eyes from the sun’s harsh rays. Choose sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. This helps keep your entire body hydrated, including your eyes.
• Take breaks from screens. Staring at screens for extended periods can reduce blinking, leading to dry eyes. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
• Consider punctal plugs. If your dry eye is severe, talk to your eye doctor about punctal plugs. These tiny devices are inserted into your tear ducts to block drainage and keep your eyes moist.
• Omega-3 supplements. Some studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids can help improve dry eye symptoms. Talk to your doctor before starting any new supplements.

Pitfall: Many people attribute all eye discomfort to dryness, overlooking other potential causes.

Solution: If your dry eye symptoms persist despite these measures, see an ophthalmologist or optometrist. They can rule out other conditions, such as blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids) or Sjogren’s syndrome (an autoimmune disorder that can cause dry eyes and mouth). There are several excellent eye care professionals in Santa Fe.

Relocating to Santa Fe as a senior can be an exciting chapter. Don’t let dry eyes dim your enjoyment of this beautiful city. By taking proactive steps to combat the dry climate, you can keep your eyes comfortable and healthy, allowing you to fully appreciate all that Santa Fe has to offer. Remember, a little preparation and the right tools can make all the difference. Now go enjoy that New Mexico sunshine – responsibly, of course!