Fall is here! As the leaves change and the air gets cooler, it’s the perfect time to enjoy everything the season has to offer. But with the change in weather, it’s also important to take extra care of our eyes. At Dr. Gary Tracy Optometry & Eyewear on the Upper West Side, we want to share some tips to keep your eyes healthy and comfortable this fall.
Stay hydrated
When the temperature drops, it’s easy to forget to drink enough water. Staying hydrated is important not only for your overall health but also for your eyes! Dry eyes are more common in fall due to the cooler, drier air, so make sure to drink water throughout the day. You can also eat more hydrating foods like cucumbers, oranges, and leafy greens to help keep your eyes moist and comfortable.
Use a humidifier
Heaters keep us warm during the colder months, but they can also dry out indoor air and your eyes as well. Adding a humidifier to your home can add moisture back into the air. Placing a humidifier in your bedroom or living room can help prevent dry eyes, especially while you sleep or relax indoors.
Don’t forget your sunglasses
Even though the sun isn’t as strong as it is in summer, UV rays can still damage your eyes, especially on crisp, clear fall days. Be sure to wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays whenever you’re outside. This will protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays and keep them healthy all year round.
Take breaks from your screens
With shorter days and cooler weather, many of us are spending more time indoors on our phones, tablets, or computers. Staring at screens for too long can lead to digital eye strain, which can cause headaches, blurry vision, and tired eyes. Try to follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. It’s a quick and easy way to give your eyes a break!
Eat a balanced diet
A healthy diet isn’t just good for your body—it’s great for your eyes too! Eating foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, can help keep your eyes healthy. Examples include carrots, spinach, kale, salmon, and nuts. Try adding these foods to your meals to give your eyes the nutrients they need to stay healthy.
Keep allergies in check
Fall allergies can be a nuisance, and they often affect our eyes. Dust, mold, and pollen can cause your eyes to feel itchy, watery, or red. To prevent these issues, try keeping your windows closed during high pollen days, use an air purifier, and wash your face and hands often to remove allergens. Over-the-counter allergy eye drops can also help with irritated eyes.
Schedule an eye exam
Fall is a great time to schedule an eye exam on the Upper West Side at Dr. Gary Tracy Optometry & Eyewear. Regular eye exams are essential for catching any potential eye problems early and making sure your vision prescription is up to date. It’s also a good chance to ask about any eye concerns you might have and find out what you can do to keep your eyes healthy.
Our friendly team at Dr. Gary Tracy Optometry & Eyewear is here to support you with all your eye care needs. Schedule your fall eye exam today and let us help you keep your eyes healthy all season long.