As fall arrives, you may notice more burning, stinging, redness, or a gritty feeling in your eyes. If you already experience dry eyes, the change of season can make your symptoms more noticeable. Here’s why and what you can do to help.
Why does fall make your eyes feel drier?
As temperatures drop, the air often becomes drier and indoor heating gets turned back on. Both can cause your tears to evaporate more quickly, leaving the surface of your eyes less lubricated and more prone to irritation.
Wind, cooler temperatures, and screen time can make it worse.
Cool, windy weather can also cause the tear film that protects your eyes to evaporate more quickly. And as we spend more time indoors, we often spend more time looking at screens. When using a computer, phone, or tablet, we tend to blink less frequently, which can make dryness and discomfort worse.
What symptoms should you watch for?
- Burning, stinging, or a gritty feeling in the eyes
- Redness, watery eyes, or fluctuating vision
- Eye fatigue, especially after prolonged screen use
- Discomfort when wearing contact lenses
How can you relieve dry eyes this fall?
- Use artificial tears as needed.
- Avoid having heating vents or fans blow directly toward your eyes.
- Use a humidifier if the air in your home or workplace is dry.
- Wear sunglasses outdoors to help protect your eyes from the wind.
- Take regular breaks from screens and make a conscious effort to blink more often.
When should you see an optometrist?
If your symptoms persist, return every season, or interfere with your day-to-day comfort, consider seeing an optometrist. An eye exam can help determine what’s causing your dry eyes and identify the right treatment or strategies to help keep your eyes comfortable.
