Autumn differs from the bright warm summer days. In the fall, the weather is cold, the air dry, and dust particles from decomposing leaves are all over. The days are short, and the nights are long. Unfortunately, the dry air, dust, and lighting variations become irritants that result in eye problems.
Here are some common fall eye problems.
Dry Eyes
In the fall, the cold and dry wind can spell trouble for you. Cold, dry air peels the moisture off your eyes and skin, leaving them dry. You may need to turn the thermostat to warm the indoor space. Unfortunately, heating the dry air worsens the problem. It exposes your eyes to dryer air.
Dry eyes can be irritating. Dryness causes a burning or stinging sensation that makes the eyes itch. You could experience eye fatigue, redness, blurred vision, and light sensitivity. Persons who wear contact lenses have a difficult time because the lenses need a film of liquid to stick to the cornea.
To resolve dry eyes, avoid being outdoors on a windy day. Buy an over-the-counter eye drop for dry eyes to use while on the go. Also, get a humidifier for your home or office to keep the air around you moist. You can also have your eye doctor prescribe some products to help with dry eyes. Work to help your eyes stay moist all day.
Autumn Ultraviolet (UV) Light
Unlike during the summer, when the sun is overhead, in autumn and winter, the earth’s position makes the sun’s rays hit the ground at an angle. Seeing that the weather is cold too, people do not regard the intensity of the sun in the fall. They do not wear sunglasses anymore. Yet, UV light is more dangerous in the fall than during summer. Although the rays may feel stronger in the summer, the brow bone protects the eyes from direct exposure. However, in autumn, with the UV light rays coming at an angle, your eyes get direct contact with the radiation. Your eyes become irritated, and you strain to focus. Long-term exposure to UV light may result in optic damage. Therefore, wear your sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat in the fall as well, to shield your eyes.
Fewer Hours of Daylight
In the fall, the days are short while the nights are long. The more the hours of darkness, the longer you need indoor lighting. These lights are often either too bright or dim and in each case, your eyes strain. If you drive to and from work in the morning and evening, you will find that most times, it will be dark. Driving in the dark strains your eyes because in areas with dim lighting, you struggle to see. If the headlights from oncoming cars are too bright, the light contrast blinds your eyes. For safety, get some anti-glare glasses to reduce the effects of bright lights.
Increased Allergies
During the cold months, it is only right that you keep your windows and doors shut. However, this condition causes the animal dander and mites to multiply significantly. Without aeration, dust also settles in your living space. The dust and mites are irritants that make your eyes itch.
The solution to this problem is proper aeration. Open your windows and doors for some time, if reasonable to do so. If it is too cold, get an over-the-counter product to relieve the irritation. If the allergy symptoms persist or worsen, see a doctor for an alternative solution.
The realities of autumn and the common eye problems stress the need for you to take care of your eyes all year long. For consultation and advice, visit the Advanced Eyecare Center in Urbandale, Iowa. You can also call 515-303-4488 to book your appointment.