The Spectator

It’s officially autumn! As the leaves turn gold and the air grows colder, many of us relish in cosy sweaters, pumpkin spice lattes and earlier evenings. But with autumn's arrival comes a subtle shift in environmental conditions. Lower humidity, more airborne allergens, and stronger glare from low lying sun all emerge toward the end of the year. At The Eye Place, we believe autumn is a perfect time to refresh your eyecare routine. 

Here are some essential ways to care for your eyes this season.

Protect your eyes from seasonal dryness

As outdoor humidity drops and indoor heating kicks in, the air becomes drier which accelerates tear evaporation, leading to your eyes becoming noticeably drier. Cooler air, wind and seasonal allergens also destabilises the tear film, especially the lipid (oil) layer, leading to irritation, burning or ‘gritty’ sensations. 

To prevent dry eyes, use a humidifier or protective eyewear to avoid environmental factors such as smoke and dry air, manage screen time with breaks and proper positioning, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and use artificial tears during the day as needed. 

Don’t abandon your sunglasses 

While it’s tempting to put your sunglasses away after summer, autumn sun can still pose a risk to your eyes. Autumn sun is lower in the sky, increasing the risk of UV rays entering the eyes unchecked, and even on cloudy days, up to 90% of UV rays can penetrate through clouds. 

To protect your eyes this autumn, always wear sunglasses that block 100% UVA and UVB rays, polarised lenses that can help reduce glare, and close-fitting frames that help block out wind, dust, pollen, and debris from the side. 
 

Update lighting & screen habits as days shorten

As daylight hours shorten, many of us rely on more artificial lighting and screens. This shift can cause digital eyestrain. 

To combat this, implement the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Optimize your screen’s brightness and colour temperature to suit ambient lighting, ensure correct positioning to limit glare, and incorporate regular breaks in your routine. 

Support your vision by eating well

Good nutrition is essential, not only for your overall health, but also for maintaining clear, comfortable vision, especially through seasonal transitions like autumn. As the weather cools and we turn to hearty meals and comfort foods, it’s a great time to make sure your diet includes key nutrients that promote eye health. 

Nutrient rich foods like carrots, kale, spinach, sweet potatoes, and pumpkins provide vitamins A, C, and E, along with antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, all of which help protect the eyes from damage and support clear vision. Omega-3 fatty acids from foods like salmon and flaxseeds can also help reduce dry eye symptoms by improving tear quality. 

Stay on top of your eye health with regular exams

As the seasons change, it’s a good reminder to check in on your vision and overall eye health. Regular eye exams are essential, not just for updating your prescription, but for spotting early signs of conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration. An eye exam can reveal signs of general health issues such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes. Whether you wear glasses, contact lenses, or have perfect vision, adults should generally have their eyes examined every year.

Don't let autumn catch your eyes off guard

Autumn may be beautiful, but your eyes feel the changes in temperature, humidity, light and allergens. The good news is that with a few adjustments, many common seasonal eye complaints can be reduced. At The Eye Place, our eyegenists™ are here to support you with tailored advice, diagnostics, and treatment as needed. 

If your eyes are feeling uncomfortable or if you want to schedule an autumn eye exam, contact us here. 

Let’s make sure you see the season clearly!