The cool weather and trees turning into vibrant colors of yellow, red, and orange make autumn a great time of year. It also means new concerns, including dry air and fall allergies that can leave your eyes feeling miserable.
Keep reading to learn six of the easiest eye care tips to protect your eyes this autumn!
1. Stay Hydrated
Even though the weather cools down in autumn, you shouldn’t neglect your water intake. You may not feel as thirsty when the temperatures drop, but it doesn’t mean you won’t become dehydrated.
So make sure you take plenty of water. Drinking the recommended eight glasses of water daily helps your eyes produce enough tears, which is critical in preventing dry eyes.
2. Reduce Screen Time
If you spend so much time on your computer, tablet, laptop, smartphone, or TV this fall, you may develop digital eye strain. Some of the symptoms of digital eye strain include:
- Dry eyes
- Headaches
- Eye pain
- Blurry or double vision
- Itching or burning sensation
- Eye fatigue
- Difficulty keeping your eyes open
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Sore neck, back, or shoulders
Digital eye strain is very common. It can reduce your ability to focus and interfere with your productivity.
The best way to avoid digital eye strain is by making a few effective adjustments. Start by following the 20-20-20 rule: look away from your digital screen every 20 minutes at anything 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
To ensure you remember this rule, set your timer every 20 minutes.
That way, you can be sure to take timely breaks to keep digital eye strain at bay.
At the same time, make an effort to blink intentionally every time you look away. Blinking frequently helps your eyes stay moist, comfortable, and healthy.
3. Wear Quality Sunglasses
Although the sun might not be as bright or shine as often during autumn, don’t forget to put on your sunglasses every time you go outside. Remember that even when it’s overcast or cloudy, the sun’s harmful UV rays still penetrate cloud cover.
Many eye care professionals recommend investing in sunglasses with 100 percent UVA and UVB protection to completely fend off those unwanted rays.
4. Use Artificial Tear Eye Drops
As the weather cools and gets dryer, it can make your eyes dry. Dry eyes cause many uncomfortable symptoms, such as eye fatigue, sensitivity to light, and blurred vision.
Using artificial tears can help lubricate your eyes and eliminate the dryness and these uncomfortable symptoms.
5. Manage Your Allergies
Ragweed pollen is the biggest allergy trigger in the fall. However, there are a number of ways you can effectively deal with autumn allergies.
For instance, use a nasal spray for allergies. Try combining this with lubricating drops and artificial tears for maximum eye comfort.
Also, wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat whenever you step out to prevent airborne allergens from getting into your eyes.
6. Go for Your Eye Exams
It’s important to go for your eye examination this autumn to keep your eyes healthy. Routine eye exams are the best way to catch issues before they worsen and to ensure you are seeing your best.
Take Good Care of Your Eyes this Fall
Vision problems are incredibly common during this time of the year. But they don’t have to put a damper on your autumn plans.
The expert doctors at Colorado Eye Consultants can provide an effective treatment plan if your vision doesn’t improve even after following these tips.
Want to find a lasting solution to your irritated, dry eyes? Schedule an appointment at Colorado Eye Consultants in Littleton, CO, today!
