Five Ways to Keep Your Eyes Healthy This Autumn
With shorter days, colder weather and darker evenings, autumn can bring a wealth of unwanted eye problems. Here, our Specialist Optometrists have compiled their top tips for caring for your eyes this season.
1. Keep Eye Drops Handy
Damp, cold conditions, heated rooms and falling leaves can all have an impact on your eyes and autumn hay fever is a real thing! If you are suffering from itchy, burning, stinging and watery eyes, make sure you have eye drops handy to refresh and soothe any irritation. We recommend Hycosan Extra eye drops during the day and Hycosan Night eye gel before you go to sleep. If symptoms persist, or you would like more information, contact us to book a Dry Eye Assessment.
2. Sunglasses Are a Must!
Often, people put their sunglasses away once the temperatures start to drop, but sunglasses are for all seasons! Although our grey, cloudy autumn weather may make the sun's rays seem less intense, they can still cause damage to your eyes. So make sure you always have your sunglasses on hand, especially in the car!
3. Drink Plenty of Water
Even though summer is over, you still need to stay hydrated. Hydration is one of the most effective ways to protect your eyes and prevent irritation.
Hydration directly correlates with your risk of certain eye conditions and diseases due to the eye's high water content and dependence on fluids to function. It is recommended that adults drink 2 litres of water a day to keep hydrated.
4. Enjoy an Autumn Feast For The Eyes
Autumn brings with it some of the most delicious seasonal produce bursting with eye-friendly vitamins and nutrients including lutein, vitamin A and vitamin C. Our favourites are:
Pears - Pears provide nourishment and protection for the eyes due to their high antioxidant and vitamin content. Researchers have found that eating pears regularly may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
Dark leafy greens like Kale - Eating lots of leafy greens like kale and spinach will help protect your vision and reduce your risk of cataracts and macular degeneration, too.
Brussel sprouts and broccoli - These greens provide a combination of nutrients including an abundance of vitamin A (in the form of lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene), vitamin C, and vitamin E. They're high in antioxidants that help protect the cells in your eyes.
5. Book Your Eye Examination
Regular eye examinations allow your optometrists to monitor your vision and eye health over the long term, and can help detect signs of medical conditions, including diabetes and high blood pressure.
People often believe sharp vision means healthy eyes. However, many eye conditions do not have obvious symptoms in their early stages, so detecting eye conditions early is only possible through regular eye examinations.
When was the last time you had an eye examination? Regular eye examinations are key to maintaining sharp vision and healthy eyes. Book your appointment today!