Keep your Eyes Healthy in the Fall

Does the season have an impact on your eye health? Obviously, you know some of the eye hazards in the summer. We’ve all been told to wear our sunglasses whenever we’re outdoors and protect our eyes with goggles if we’re spending a lot of time in the water, especially if it’s chlorinated. You may also be aware of the dangers in winter, when glare off of the snow can damage your eyes, and the harsh wind and cold temperatures can cause dry eye, excessive tearing, or even changes in your vision. What you may not know is that it’s just as important to protect your eyes in the fall.

What challenges does the fall bring?

• Allergens can cause eye trouble in the autumn. Plants like ragweed can trigger allergies, and as people begin to stay indoors more, indoor allergens can cause trouble as well. Pay attention to pollen levels, and try to keep allergens like mold, mildew, dust, and pet dander under control inside your house.
• The sun is still a danger, even if it’s not as bright as it was in summer. Ultraviolet rays are damaging, even when the sun is not as high in the sky as it is in summer. Wearing sunglasses all year is the best way to protect your eyes from vision problems caused by UV rays.
• Halloween can bring eye danger if you’re not careful with your costume. Costume contact lenses sold over the counter are a bad idea, because they’re made of cheap materials that can cause eye infections. If you are set on purchasing decorative contact lenses, see your eye doctor first, and get a prescription. Halloween makeup, too, can cause problems with your eyes. Unfortunately, makeup that’s not FDA approved can contain toxins, like mercury, that are harmful to your skin and eyes. It can also promote the growth of bacteria around your eyes, causing them to become infected.
• Fall chores can injure eyes if they’re not protected. Especially if you’re doing yard work that can send plant debris into your eyes, like raking or blowing leaves, wear protective eyewear to keep your eyes safe.
• Cooler air can cause dry eyes, even though it’s not as cold as it will be in winter. That crisp fall weather brings air with less humidity than you experienced in summer, and that can dry out your eyes. What’s more, when the heater starts running, it dries out the air inside your home. You can use artificial tears to keep your eyes moist, but it’s also smart to stay in on windy days and avoid keeping your rooms too warm.

The good news? Autumn brings a host of healthy produce containing nutrients that can help protect your vision. It’s a great time to feast on fruits and vegetables like apples, pears, pomegranates, squash, turnips, and cauliflower, which contain eye-healthy antioxidants.

The best way to protect your eyes is by having regular eye exams, and if you’re looking for an ophthalmologist or optometrist in Derry, Londonderry or Windham, Spindel Eye Associates is here for you. Celebrating thirty-five years of eye care, we proudly provide our patients with personalized eye care, using top of the line technology. For more information or to schedule an appointment call 603.421.6536 or contact us through our website.