Are You Experiencing These Common Fall Eye Problems?
Spring and summer have passed, but people still experience eye problems. According to the National Institutes of Health, the drastic change in climate is usually a trigger for many eye issues. Particulates, hours of daylight, and drops in temperature during the fall season all contribute to eye discomfort for most people. If you think you are experiencing common fall eye problems, here’s what you should know.
Fall Ultraviolet (UV) Light
The sun moves in a unique way when the colder months come. It usually shines at a specific angle that touches you just above your brow. This causes strain and irritation to your eyes. Prolonged UV light exposure leads to eye damage. You should always wear your UV-protective eyeglasses even when the sun is not shining on you. A wide-brimmed hat can help shield your eyes as well if you plan to stay outside longer. Fall also has a lot of cloudy days. Remember that clouds cannot filter UV rays. You should still wear your UV-protective glasses to make sure your eyes are safe.
Cold Weather Allergies
Ventilation helps keep indoor air clean and particulate-free. During spring and summer, you turn on your air-conditioning and exhaust systems. When the temperature drops in the fall, you bring your ventilation down or even turn it off. This is when debris, dust mites, dander, and dust settle on various surfaces. These irritants will cause eye irritation and itchiness. If you can, open a few windows in your office or home. Remove dust from various surfaces as often as you can to keep them from accumulating. Also, consider getting some comfort in over-the-counter allergy medicines. If your allergies persist, see your eye doctor right away.
Dry Eye Syndrome
The air outside tends to become dryer as it cools. The dryness can irritate your eyes and skin. If you seek refuge indoors, the heated air is also dry. If ever you work at home most of the time, you will have difficulty working on your computer for long hours. Dry indoor air can also make it more challenging for you to wear your contact lenses. To relieve your dry eyes, you can use a humidifier or over-the-counter eye drops. If you cannot get relief from these methods, you should see your eye care provider.
Shortened Hours of Daylight
Days get shorter when fall arrives. This only means that you would have to finish your chores and errands in dim or dark environments most of the time. Glaring lights from signs, posts, and vehicles usually hurt your eyes. To keep them safe, wear anti-glare eyeglasses. Just make sure that you clean them thoroughly. Dirty lenses tend to strain your eyes even more.
Fall is here, and soon winter will come. Preventing eye irritation is necessary so that you can enjoy the holidays. At Maple Eye and Laser Center, we always remind our patients to take extra care of their eyes as seasons change. Please visit our clinics in White Plains and Manhattan, New York, for an in-person consultation. You can also call us at 914-948-5157. That way, we can help schedule your appointment or answer your questions about seasonal eye care.
Reference Provided: