For many people, fall is their favorite time of year. The heat of the summer starts to fade, and the leaves start changing, introducing warm, vibrant colors to the world.
While many people would assume that special eye care precautions aren’t necessary during the fall, that isn’t the case. If you want to make sure your eyes stay healthy, here are some fall eye care tips that can help.
Wash Your Hands Regularly
Many people wouldn’t think that hand washing has much to do with eye health. However, you’re less likely to contract certain infections, including conjunctivitis or pink eye, by keeping your hands clean.
Plus, once the weather starts to turn colder, cold and flu season isn’t far behind. Since those viruses may enter the body through the eyes, washing your hands reduces your chances of catching them.
The same goes for COVID-19. Evidence suggests that touching your eyes after contacting something that had the virus on it could cause you to fall ill.
By washing your hands, incidentally contacting your eyes is less risky. As a result, you may be less likely to end up ill this fall.
Prevent Dry Eye
When outside temperatures fall, dry eye becomes more common. The outdoor air can sap moisture, and heaters inside homes, businesses, and vehicles can lead to drier conditions.
In most cases, artificial tears are enough to keep you comfortable. However, if you have allergies or chronic dry eye, you may need something more robust. Speak to your eye doctor about your symptoms to see what’s right for you.
Wear Sunglasses
Since the days are shorter and cooler, many people put their sunglasses away. However, the sun produces harmful rays all year round. By wearing sunglasses with UV protection, you shield them from potential damage.
Plus, sunglasses can help you see more clearly. You won’t have to squint in bright light, ensuring you can enjoy sunny afternoons outdoors with greater ease.
Keep Safety Glasses on Hand
Many fall activities can be potentially dangerous for your eyes. For example, raking leaves can increase the number of particles in the air. Without eye protection, the odds of an irritant getting into your eye go up.
Additionally, many people begin preparing firewood in the winter. As your chopping, pieces of the log can break away, potentially striking you in the eye. There’s a barrier between you and flying debris by wearing eye protection, reducing your odds of a serious eye injury.
Have an Eye-Friendly Halloween
Halloween is a time for customs and fun. However, it should also be a time for eye health, ensuring you make smart choices that won’t harm your eyes.
If you’re dressing up this Halloween and need heavy makeup to complete the look, make sure you buy the right type. Not all cosmetics are safe to use around the eye area, so look for versions that won’t cause irritation.
If you’re thinking about wearing cosmetic contact lenses, be cautious. Most non-prescription decorative lenses won’t fit properly, increasing the odds that they’ll scratch your eye, cause an ulcer, or lead to an eye infection. In those cases, the damage can be significant, potentially resulting in permanent vision reduction or loss.
For decorative lenses, don’t buy over-the-counter. Instead, head to your eye doctor for a high-quality, properly-fitted pair.
Schedule Your Eye Exam
If you haven’t had an eye exam this year, make fall eye health season by scheduling your appointment right away. That way, your eye doctor can check your eyes and vision to see if any issues need addressing.
At ECVA, we take the safety and health of our patients’ eyes seriously. If you need an eye exam this fall, we are here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today.
