Fall Season and Dry Eyes

As the fall months come and pass, people all over update their wardrobes with warm, light jackets, leggings, cozy hats, and fall boots. However, preparing for the cool to cold months may need more consideration than just a change of clothes. Your eyes, a vital part of the body, can become significantly affected by the onset of the warm days and cold nights. As a time of allergies and flu, the fall season can wreak havoc on the eyes, causing dryness, excess tears, redness, and vision changes. See how you can prevent them through these simple steps.

How Does the Fall Weather Affect My Eyes?

Dryness – The crisp air outside often has less moisture, causing chapped lips, dry skin, and dry eyes, which can be irritating and annoying. To help prevent this, bring saline drops with you wherever you go to help temporarily relieve the symptoms. Taking omega-3 supplements and drinking more water can also help your eyes produce moisture to ease the dryness. Humidifiers during these months can also help reduce the dryness.

Tearing – Some experience the opposite, resulting in excess tearing that’s completely unnecessary. Excess tearing can also result from the fresh air and seasonal allergies. When you notice tearing, try and pay attention to where the tears come from and head to your optometrist. If tears form at the corners of the eyes, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes if you experience tearing while indoors, try taking allergy medicine. If you cannot determine the cause, then see your eye doctor for a proper diagnosis.

Redness – Inflammation to the eye, tenderness, and redness are usually signs of allergies and dry eyes. The redness can be reduced by using a damp washcloth or over-the-counter painkillers if the symptoms continue, see your eye doctor.

Changes in Vision – Drops in temperature can drastically change the way the blood vessels constrict around and in the eye, causing blurriness and double vision. Changes in vision are usually temporary, especially if you’ve been spending a lot of time in the crisp fall weather. Spend time indoors to let your eyes rest, and if your vision doesn’t change within 30 minutes, contact a physician immediately.

Sensitivity to Light – Living in areas that get a lot of light can cause your eyes to become sensitive to any light. While the sun begins to lessen each day, the sun will also appear brighter to compensate, causing your eyes to blink excessively, feel discomfort, and even lead to sneezing. Protect your eyes with sunglasses, especially in moments when the sun gets exceptionally bright.

While many of these symptoms can be prevented, if these symptoms continue, then it can become potentially dangerous to your health without treatment. If you experience any of the listed seasonal issues above, consult an eye doctor at The Optical Shoppe in Smyrna, TN. Dr. Paul Trapeni, Jr, alongside his team of optometrists, will be able to help diagnose what’s wrong with your eyes and help resolve any fall weather woes you may have. Schedule an appointment today!

Dr. Paul D. Trapeni JrAt The Optical Shoppe, we're dedicated to optometry excellence under the guidance of Dr. Paul D Trapeni. Serving the Smyrna community since 1989, Dr. Trapeni is a trusted member of the community, bringing general and specialized optometry care to individuals and families throughout the area.