Seasonal Eye Care Tips: Adjusting to Shorter Days and Changing Light

As the fall season rolls in and the days grow shorter, we often adjust our routines to embrace the cozy fall season. However, shorter days and changing light conditions can affect more than just our daily schedule—they can also impact our eye health. Understanding these effects and protecting your vision during the fall months can help keep your eyes comfortable and healthy.

1. Manage Eye Strain from Increased Artificial Lighting

With fewer daylight hours, we tend to rely more on artificial lighting in our homes and workplaces. Extended exposure to artificial light, especially from screens, can lead to digital eye strain, characterized by symptoms such as headaches, dry eyes, and blurred vision. Here are some tips to manage eye strain effectively:

●      Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and focus on something 20 feet away. This simple habit can help reduce the strain on your eyes from prolonged screen use.

●      Optimize Your Lighting: Ensure that your workspace is well-lit but not overly bright. Position your screen to minimize glare from overhead lights or windows. Consider using lamps with adjustable brightness to create a softer, eye-friendly environment.

●      Blink Frequently: When concentrating on screens or tasks, we tend to blink less often, which can cause dry eyes. Make a conscious effort to blink more to keep your eyes moist and comfortable.

2. Protect Your Eyes from Glare and Reflection

The lower angle of the sun during fall can cause glare and reflections that make it difficult to see clearly while driving or spending time outdoors. Glare can cause discomfort, squinting, and temporary blurriness, so it’s important to take steps to protect your eyes.

●      Wear Sunglasses: Even in fall, UV rays are still harmful. Choose sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection. Polarized lenses are particularly helpful for reducing glare and improving clarity.

●      Use Anti-Reflective Coatings: If you wear prescription glasses, consider lenses with an anti-reflective coating. This can help reduce glare from oncoming headlights while driving at night or from bright indoor lights.

3. Adjust to the Changing Light with Proper Eye Care

The transition from bright daylight to darker evenings can strain the eyes, especially for those who are sensitive to light changes. Here’s how to ease the adjustment:

●      Gradual Light Transition: Allow your eyes to gradually adjust to different lighting conditions. When moving from a bright environment to a dimmer one, take a moment to let your eyes adapt rather than straining to see immediately.

●      Blue Light Blocking Glasses: Consider using blue light-blocking glasses, especially if you spend long hours in front of digital screens. Blue light can disrupt your sleep cycle and contribute to digital eye strain, so wearing blue light-blocking glasses in the evening can help minimize these effects.

4. Keep Your Eyes Moist and Comfortable

As temperatures drop, dry air can lead to dry eyes. Dry eyes can feel irritated, gritty, or cause a burning sensation, particularly after prolonged screen time or exposure to artificial light.

●      Use a Humidifier: A humidifier can add moisture to the air and help prevent your eyes from drying out, especially if indoor heating is in use.

●      Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is essential for overall health, including eye health. Staying hydrated can help maintain the moisture levels in your eyes.

●      Use Lubricating Eye Drops: Over-the-counter artificial tears or lubricating eye drops can provide quick relief from dry eyes. Be sure to choose a preservative-free option to avoid irritation with frequent use.

Schedule an Eye Exam with Kopolow & Girisgen, Doctors of Optometry

Fall is a great time to schedule an eye exam. An eye exam can detect vision changes and ensure that your prescription is up to date, especially if you've been experiencing headaches, squinting, or eye discomfort. To schedule an eye exam with Kopolow & Girisgen, Doctors of Optometry, text GLASSES to 21000 or schedule an appointment online and a member of our friendly team will be in touch!