Eye Care Tips for Autumn

Autumn has arrived, and along with the fall colours, it also brings a range of eye-related issues for many people. This makes it crucial to take care of your eyes in this weather and follow our optician-recommended autumn eye care tips.

• How does autumn affect your eyes
• 7 optician-approved autumn eye care tips
• Recommended products for autumn

How does autumn affect your eyes?

Autumn can adversely affect your eyes as allergens and lower humidity levels can cause dry, irritated and inflamed eyes. Read on to learn how autumn affects your eyes.

• Dry air: As autumn begins, the air becomes colder and drier. This combination of dry and windy weather can dehydrate your eyes. Dry eye happens when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. The lack of moisture in the air at this time of year can increase the chance of you experiencing dry eyes. When indoors, dryness can also be caused by increased use of central heating systems.
• Allergens: Seasonal allergies are quite common, especially during autumn and spring. Air filled with dander, mould, pollen and other allergens can cause red, watery and itchy eyes, increasing the risk of allergic conjunctivitis.
• Sun exposure: At this time of year, the sun repositions itself to shine at a lower angle compared to summer, causing additional glare. During sunrise and sunset, this can cause more direct sunlight to enter the eyes.

7 optician-approved autumn eye care tips

Follow these fall eye care tips mentioned below to avoid autumnal eye issues, such as dryness, irritation and eye allergies.

1. Stay hydrated: The autumn season is synonymous with dryness, and hydration is the key to keeping dry eyes at bay. Drink plenty of water to counter the reduced humidity levels in the air and keep your eyes hydrated. You can also consider dry eye treatments as per the recommendation of your optician.
2. Use a humidifier: Using a humidifier indoors is advisable to combat dry eyes as it adds moisture to the air, reducing symptoms of dry eyes.
3. Use daily lenses: Using dailies is beneficial, as you throw away these lenses every night and wear a fresh new pair every day, reducing irritation and pollen build-up on the lenses.
4. Reduce exposure to allergens: Try to avoid being outdoors during windy and high pollen days to reduce your exposure to allergens. If you do need to go outside, consider wearing sunglasses or protective eyewear. Turn on the air conditioning in the car instead of keeping the windows down to keep allergens out. Keep your surroundings clean by regularly washing your clothes, changing your bedsheets and wiping your shelves.
5. Don’t rub your eyes: Avoid the urge to rub or touch your eyes, as this can cause further irritation.
6. Shield your eyes from the sun: Wear sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection every time you set foot outside the home, even on cloudy days. The sun’s ultraviolet rays can penetrate the clouds and increase the risk of developing cataracts and other eye conditions. You can consider a pair of polarised sunglasses, as they help reduce glare and enhance visual comfort.
7. Get regular eye tests: Scheduling regular eye tests is important for maintaining good eye health. Regular eye tests can help detect eye conditions early and can often lead to a more effective treatment plan.

Recommended products for autumn

Tina Patel, our in-house Contact Lens Optician, says, "The autumn dry air can affect contact lens comfort - consider switching to daily disposables or use rewetting drops as needed."

1. Hycosan Dual Eye Drops – 7.5ml

Hycosan Dual Eye Drops are an ideal option to help soothe dry, irritated and inflamed eyes, providing relief.

Please note: it’s advisable to consult your optician before using eye drops.

2. comfi Daily Disposable

Daily disposable contact lenses are a great choice to ensure optimum hygiene, clarity and comfort. Since you can dispose them after every use, they are the most hygienic way to wear contact lenses.

3. Ray-Ban RB3025 Aviator Gold Brown 001/57 Polarised

These polarised Ray-Ban sunglasses for men and women are perfect for protecting your eyes from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. With light brown lenses enclosed in a golden metal frame, this classic aviator will go with every look and enhance any outfit.

Disclaimer: The advice in this article is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical care or an in-person check-up. Please check with an eyecare professional before purchasing any products or remedies. For information on our article review process, please refer to our Editorial Policy.