Five Ways to Keep Your Eyes Healthy This Fall

What is there not to love about fall? From the beautiful crisp autumn air to the bonfires, pumpkin pies, hayrides, and apple picking, there is always something to be excited about. But along with all these delights, fall can also bring about the dreaded allergies, dry eyes, and constant eye irritation. Fortunately, there are ways to ensure you keep your eyes healthy and enjoy this fall to the fullest.

 

Wear Your Sunglasses 

Ultraviolet rays can penetrate your unprotected eyes even when the temperatures go down. Even when it’s cloudy and grey, you should continue to wear your sunglasses. Avoid effects adding up and causing problems like cornea burns, cataracts, or even cancer of the eyelids.

 

Avoid Eye Injuries 

 

Do not allow eye injuries to be your ultimate scare this Halloween. Talk to your children about taking care while wearing their Halloween costumes. Some costume accessories could potentially cause eye damage if misused. 

 

Wands, broomsticks, lightsabers, swords, and other costume accessories like fake fingernails have the potential of harming one’s eyes. It’s also best to avoid touching your eyes and other people’s faces during Halloween.

 

You might also want your eyes to match your Halloween costume. It is advisable to avoid non-prescription contact lenses. Non-prescription contact lenses are often ill-fitting and non-sterile. This can cause eye-blinding infections. 

 

You can get your desired contact lenses by having an eye exam obtaining a prescription from a doctor. Stay away from purchasing contact lenses found in costume stores, beauty stores, or any other place that sells non-prescription lenses.

 

Keep Your Eyes Moist 

 

Autumn can leave your eyes drier and irritated than usual due to the drier and cooler weather. Try to stay away from artificial heating and hairdryers, as this can dry your eyes more than outside air.  

 

Wind can also dry out your eyes during this season. Of course, it can be quite difficult to avoid all these; hence, it is advisable to keep a small bottle with artificial tears for an additional dose of moisture for your eyes.

 

Eat Fall’s Healthy Foods

 

Take advantage of fall’s healthy foods. There is a bounty of eye-friendly nutrients in fall’s vegetables and fruits. Nutrients such as zeaxanthin, lutein, and beta-carotene help your eyes. There are vitamins and antioxidants such as vitamin C that can keep your eyes and body healthy throughout this season. Foods that improve circulation are very good for your eyes. Enjoy these vegetables and fruits at their peak during this season:

 

• Turnips
   

• Pomegranates
   

• Cauliflower
   

• Apples
   

• Squash
   

• Pears

   

Play It Safe While Playing Fall Sports

 

Getting back to school can automatically translate to getting back to sports. Eye injuries can ruin all the fun and games. Make sure to wear your eye protection gear before engaging in sports either on the court, ice, or field. Ensure you have worn the right kind of eye protection for the sports you are taking part in. 

 

For more on keeping your eyes healthy this fall or to schedule an appointment, call Abraham Eye Associates at our office in Villanova, Pennsylvania at (484) 209-0800 today.