Your eyes are delicate, intricate organs that require special attention, especially in the face of changing seasons. Each season brings its own set of environmental factors that can impact eye health. If you notice dry, itchy, or tired eyes accompanying you as the seasons change, you should consider seasonal eye care. 

Spring

Spring is a time of renewal and growth, but it also introduces new challenges for eye care. Pollen levels soar during this season, triggering allergies and potentially causing discomfort for your eyes. You may also find your eyes going through an adjustment period as they get used to more sunshine and moisture. 

Invest in Allergy-Relief Eye Drops: Combat itchy and irritated eyes by using allergy-relief eye drops. These drops can help alleviate symptoms associated with pollen and other allergens. Consult your optometrist about what eye drops are right for you. 

Wear Sunglasses with UV Protection: Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and airborne allergens by donning sunglasses with UV protection. Wraparound styles provide an additional shield against pollen and wind. If you wear an eye prescription, consider getting a pair of prescription UV lenses for ease of use. 

Stay Hydrated: Hydration is key to maintaining healthy eyes. Ensure you drink enough water to keep your eyes lubricated and relieve dryness.

Summer

Summer brings longer days, outdoor activities, and increased exposure to sunlight. While enjoying the sun, it’s essential to take steps to shield your eyes.

UV-Blocking Sunglasses: Opt for sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. This helps prevent long-term damage and reduces the risk of cataracts.

Stay Hydrated and Moisturized: The summer heat can lead to dehydration, which in turn can contribute to dry eyes. Drink plenty of water and use lubricating eye drops to keep your eyes moist and comfortable.

Give Your Eyes a Break from Screens: If you are lucky enough to get a summer break, you’ll likely want to engage in some of your favourite relaxing activities. This could include binge-watching series and playing video games. However, it is important to remember that prolonged exposure to screens can contribute to dry eyes. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: take a break every 20 minutes, and look at something 20 feet away, for at least 20 seconds.

Autumn

Autumn may bring beautiful foliage, but it also signals a drop in humidity levels. This decrease in moisture can exacerbate dry eye symptoms.

Use Humidifiers Indoors: As the weather cools down, outdoor air humidity drops. Combat the dry air by using humidifiers indoors. This helps maintain an optimal level of humidity, preventing your eyes from drying out.

Limit Indoor Heating: Central heating systems can contribute to dry indoor air. Try to limit the use of indoor heating or use a humidifier to counteract its drying effects.

Dry Eye Treatment: Dry eye is a chronic disease that affects tear production. If you consistently suffer from dry and achy eyes, you may want to talk to your optometrist about dry eye treatment. This can provide total relief no matter the season. 

Winter

Winter brings cold winds and cozy indoor spaces, both of which can affect your eye health. Dry eyes often become more pronounced during this season.

Protect Your Eyes from Wind: When venturing outdoors, shield your eyes from the cold wind by wearing sunglasses or opting for traditional framed glasses. This helps prevent moisture loss from your eyes.

Avoid Direct Heat: While indoor heating provides warmth, it can also contribute to dry eyes. Position your eyes away from direct heat sources. 

Hydrate and Lubricate: Increase your fluid intake during the winter months to stay hydrated. If you wear contacts, ensure that you are wearing contacts on the correct schedule so you don’t exasperate dry eyes. 

Winter Myth Buster!

Do contact lenses freeze? You may have heard warnings about freezing lenses during the winter months. Thanks to innovative designs and your body’s natural warmth, it would take some seriously cold temperatures to freeze your contact lenses. 

However, regardless of the season, contact lens wearers face unique seasonal challenges. the best way to combat seasonal contact struggles is by ensuring you get the best lenses for you. 

Hydration is crucial for contact lens wearers year-round. Ensure you stay well-hydrated to prevent lenses from drying out and causing discomfort. If you suffer from dry eye, there are specialty contact lenses that can help your eyes stay moist. 

Stick to the prescribed wear schedule for your contact lenses. Avoid wearing them for longer durations than recommended, as this can contribute to dryness and discomfort.

Caring for your eyes throughout the changing seasons is essential for maintaining optimal eye health and comfort. By incorporating these seasonal eye care tips and paying special attention to dry eye treatments and contact lens comfort, you can enjoy clear vision and keep your eyes feeling refreshed and revitalized year-round. Remember, regular visits to Lethbridge Vision Care for comprehensive eye exams are key to addressing any specific concerns and ensuring the ongoing health of your eyes.