As the crisp autumn air sets in, it’s time to give your eyes some much-needed care and attention. With shorter days and cooler temperatures during autumn, our eyes are particularly sensitive to the changing weather conditions, so whether you’re stepping out to enjoy the beautiful fall weather or spending more time keeping cosy indoors, it’s important to take proactive steps to show your eyes some much-needed care and maintain your eye health. From protecting your eyes from UV autumn sun glare, to keeping your eyes moisturised, we will cover all the essential eye care tips to incorporate into your daily routine to care for your eyes this autumn.
1. Stay Hydrated
Proper hydration is crucial for overall health, and this includes keeping your eyes hydrated. As the weather gets cooler, it’s easy to overlook the importance of staying hydrated compared to the importance of staying hydrated in summer, but dehydration can have negative effects on your eyes. This can lead to issues including dryness, irritation, and discomfort, and if left untreated, excessively dry eyes can increase the risk of developing more serious eye issues, including corneal damage.
To prevent this, make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, and opt for foods with high water content, such as cucumbers and watermelon, to help keep your eyes moisturised from the inside out. Another way to combat winter dryness and prioritise eye care is by using lubricating eye drops to provide instant relief from discomfort and help to keep your eyes moisturised and comfortable. Applying a few eye care drops throughout the day, especially if you spend a lot of time in front of a computer or other digital screens, can help alleviate dryness and prevent further eye strain, and incorporating these simple practices into your daily routine will go a long way in keeping your eyes hydrated and healthy this autumn.
2. Limit Screen Time
With the change in weather, you may find yourself spending more time indoors. During autumn and winter, this often leads to increased screen time, as the cold weather and early sunsets are the perfect time to curl up inside and enjoy a film or two with loved ones. Occasionally relaxing in front of the TV isn’t bad, but excessive screen time can take a toll on your eyes, causing strain, dryness, and even headaches. To protect your eyes, it’s essential to limit your screen time and take regular breaks.
One effective method is the 20-20-20 rule, which is particularly useful for those working from home on laptops or spending regular time in front of screens. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away to allow your eyes to rest and refocus, reducing the strain caused by prolonged screen use. Similarly, enjoy your lunch breaks away from the screen, and avoid using your phone before bed, in order to let your eyes rest properly before bed and allow you to sleep better. Additionally, adjusting the brightness and contrast settings on your devices can help reduce eye fatigue, particularly during glaringly bright autumn mornings or dark winter afternoons. Incorporating these eye care habits into your daily routine will help prevent eye strain and keep your eyes healthy as you navigate the autumn season.
3. Avoid Excessive Heat
As the temperature drops, it’s tempting to sit near direct heat sources like fireplaces or heaters to keep warm, and many of us prefer to blast the heating in the evenings to warm up the house and keep comfortable. However, these heat sources can cause dryness in the air, leading to dry eyes and discomfort. To prevent this, be cautious about sitting too close to direct heat sources, including radiators and heating vents, and if you have a fire in your home, be sure to sit at a comfortable distance from the fire. Hot air from these sources of heat can dry your eyes out and make them feel scratchy, itchy, and uncomfortable, so be sure to sit away from the sources of heat and consider using a humidifier.
A humidifier adds moisture to the air, which can help alleviate dryness and keep your eyes comfortable. Humidifiers can be used throughout the year to maintain good levels of moisture in a room, and are particularly popular with those suffering from allergies. Place a humidifier in the room where you spend the most amount of time, especially if it’s near a heat source, and consider placing one in your bedroom to help maintain a comfortable level of humidity in the air and prevent your eyes from drying out.
Consider Wearing Sunglasses
When we think of sunglasses, we often associate them with summer and protecting our eyes from the bright sun. However, wearing sunglasses during autumn is just as important, as the sun’s rays can still be strong during this season and the harsh glare reflected off bright surfaces such as ice and snow can strain your eyes.
Wearing sunglasses not only protects your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays but also helps prevent eye fatigue and strain, so don’t forget to bring your shades along when you venture out this autumn. Invest in a good pair of sunglasses that offer UV protection and look for sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays to shield your eyes from harmful sunlight. Additionally, consider sunglasses with polarised lenses, as they can further reduce glare and enhance your visual comfort, and will only become more useful as the autumn sunlight progressively becomes more intense as we enter the cold winter months.
4. Seasonal Allergies
Autumn brings with it a new set of allergens that can wreak havoc on your eyes. Mould, dust, and pollen are common triggers during this season, causing symptoms such as itching, redness, and watering of the eyes. To minimise the effects of seasonal allergies on your eyes, follow these eye care tips:
- Keep windows closed: While it’s tempting to enjoy the cool breeze, keeping your windows closed can help prevent allergens from entering your home and causing irritation to your eyes.
- Clean your surroundings regularly: Dust mites and mould can accumulate in your living space and trigger allergies, so regularly clean and vacuum your home throughout autumn to reduce the presence of these allergens.
- Wash your hands and face frequently: Pollen can easily stick to your hands and face, leading to eye irritation when you touch your eyes, so washing your hands and face after taking a walk or spending time outdoors can help remove allergens and minimise the risk of irritation.
- Use over-the-counter allergy eye drops: If your eyes are still irritated despite taking preventive measures, over-the-counter allergy eye drops can help alleviate itching and redness caused by allergies and provide relief.
By following these eye care tips, you can minimise the effects of seasonal allergies on your eyes and enjoy the beauty of autumn without discomfort.
Protect Your Eye Health This Winter
As the seasons change, it’s important to prioritise the well-being of your eyes and take steps to protect your eye health. So don’t let the beauty of autumn blind you to the importance of eye care this autumn, and by following a few simple steps like staying hydrated and being cautious around heat sources, you can ensure that your eyes stay healthy and comfortable throughout the remaining months of 2023.
Make these eye care tips a part of your daily routine, and for comprehensive eye care and treatments, trust our expert team here at Dominic Tunnell Opticians to keep your eyes in top shape. Schedule your next appointment today by reaching out to our friendly team.
