Our eyes are precious so it’s important to care for them in the right way to protect our vision and prevent eye-related conditions. Whether you have 20/20 vision or you wear glasses, everyone can benefit from a good eye care routine. However, throughout the year you will need to adapt your eye care to suit the changing seasons and how this affects your body.
Temperature and weather are two factors that can change the way your eyes feel, for example colder weather can cause dry eyes by making them itchy and sore. Luckily, there are several ways that you can look after your eyes throughout the year that will keep you protected.
In this blog, we explain some of the best eye care tips for each season. Read on for all you need to know.
How to protect your eyes during spring and summer
Spring and summer marks an increase in temperature which means being outside in the sun, so it’s important that you care for your eyes as well as the rest of your body. It’s easy to forget about your health and safety when you’re having fun, but in this section we remind you of how to protect your eyes during these seasons.
Wear sunglasses
The most obvious yet most effective way of protecting your eyes is to wear sunglasses. Just as the sun can cause damage to your skin, UV rays can also damage your eyes, especially if you are staring directly into it. Sunglasses are made to block UVA and UVB rays and prevent sunburn, vision loss, cataracts and general over exposure. Whether you’re in your back garden, driving or visiting the park, wearing a good pair of sunglasses will minimise sun-related eye damage.
Sunglasses can be purchased in highstreet shops however each pair of lenses will offerum different level of protection. It may be a good idea to visit your local opticians for a reliable pair of sunglasses, that fit you properly and limit sunlight from the sides and tops of the frames as well as directly into your eyes. You can also purchase prescription sunglasses so your vision will not be affected.
Treat hay fever
Hay fever can start as early as March in the approach to spring and carry on right through until the end of summer. According to recent statistics, hay fever affects between 10% and 30% of all adults and as many as 40% of children all in different ways. Symptoms can vary in severity including blocked sinuses, itchy throat, headaches, sneezing and of course itchy eyes.
With more pollen in the air this can land on your face and eye area making it itchy and sore. For some sufferers it’s almost impossible not to rub and itch their eyes, however, this will only aggravate them further. To relieve symptoms you should take hayfever medication regularly such as antihistamines or eye drops, use a cool compress to relieve swollen, itchy eyes and wear sunglasses to block pollen from coming in to contact with your face. You should also keep your hands clean and away from your face to avoid pollen being transferred from your hands.
Wear swimming goggles
If you’re planning a summer holiday and plan on heading straight to the pool or sea,make sure you pack your swimming goggles! Chlorine is a sanitising agent that’s used in all pools in order to keep them clean, however, this chemical can make your eyes very uncomfortable. Have you ever been swimming and experienced red, sore eyes? That’s because chlorine strips away the film that protects your cornea!
Always wear goggles that have a strong seal to prevent water from getting in your eyes. Furthermore, take regular breaks from swimming to give you eyes a rest and relax. If they feel a little dry, lubricating eye drops can help.
How to protect your eyes during autumn and winter
Wind, rain and snow can really dry out your body including your eyes so they’ll need a little TLC. With less humidity in the air, it’s not uncommon for you to experience changes in your eyes and the way they feel. Here we explain some simple ways of keeping your eyes protected in autumn and winter.
Keep your eyes hydrated
If you suffer with watery eyes this is actually a sign of them being too dry as your eyes are overproducing tears. To keep them hydrated you should invest in eyedrops that add moisture before your eyes become gritty and uncomfortable throughout the day. Additionally, why not swap contact lenses for glasses or if you don’t wear either but still have dry eyes, utilise your sunglasses to protect your eyes.
Use a humidifier
As the atmosphere becomes dryer inside and outside the home, your eyes can become dry and irritated too. As well as keeping them hydrated, adding a humidifier to your home can create more moisture and keep your eyes from becoming too sore.
All year eye care advice
Although you may have to alter your eye care slightly depending on the season, there are also some things you should do all year round to maintain healthy eyes. Many of these things you can easily integrate into your everyday lives at home or at work.
Book an eye test
Having regular eye tests will ensure that your eyes do not have any underlying problems, as well as being an opportunity to voice any concerns to your optician. During the eye test the optician will check the overall condition of your eyes as well as perform vision tests to see if your eyesight has changed since your last appointment.
Here at David Paul Opticians, our fully trained optometrist is on hand to check the condition of your eyes based on your individual requirements. Offering comprehensive eye tests to those in the Berkhamsted area, we’re on hand to ensure no eye complaints get missed.
Rest your eyes
If you’re working in front of a screen all day this can cause eye strain, vision problems and headaches. It’s important to rest your eyes by taking regular breaks away from the screen, especially during your lunch hour, so your eyes have a chance to rest. The same can be said for watching TV and being on electrical devices, where usage should be monitored - most smartphones now record your amount of screen time so take note of this.
Get enough sleep
If you aren’t getting enough sleep not only will your body feel exhausted but your eyes too. Eye strain, sore eyes and dry eyes all link to a lack of sleep so having enough good quality sleep is essential for your eye health.
Wear eye protection
If you work in construction, for example, or any other role where eye protection is recommended always follow protocol and wear the safety gear provided. Eye injuries are serious and you could experience total sight loss if you ignore safety instructions. Always wear goggles when necessary to do so and it’s a good idea to purchase a pair for at home use too, especially if DIY is something you do regularly.
David Paul Opticians: High-quality eye care in Berkhamsted
If you’re looking for a local optician in Berkhamsted, look no further than David Paul Optician s. Our professional team is dedicated to providing the best services available, for customers of all ages and medical backgrounds.
From check-ups to advanced eye examinations, you can rest assured that our team has your best interests at heart. On site we use the latest in eye care technology to detect conditions in their early stages so the right treatment can be found.
For more information about our services, get in touch today and find out more.