As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, it’s time to start thinking about proper eye care for spring. Taking care of your eyes is important all year round, but it’s especially crucial during the spring season when allergies are at their peak and the sun’s rays are getting stronger. The following tips will help you keep your eyes and vision protected as you get out to enjoy the spring days.
Purchase Quality Sunglasses
While you should be protecting your eyes year-round from the sun’s harmful rays, this time of year can be the worst time for exposure. Many people begin to spend more time outdoors when spring arrives and they may not remember the importance of keeping their eyes sheltered from the sun. Quality sunglasses do not have to be expensive, but they do need to block 100% of harmful UV rays. You should look for the largest lenses possible to protect your eyes from sun damage. Additionally, polarized lenses can help to protect against glare that bounces off reflective surfaces like roads or water.
Prepare for Spring Allergies
Allergies are a major source of discomfort this time of year, and they can definitely be hard on your eyes. Pollens, dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores are all common sources of allergies this time of year, so it’s important to take steps to reduce your exposure to these irritants. Investing in a good air filter, avoiding outdoor activities when pollen levels are at their peak, and washing your hands and face after being outside can all help to reduce your allergy symptoms. Allergy medications can also be necessary in some cases in order to manage your symptoms and keep your eyes healthy.
Dry Eye Remedies
Dry eye symptoms tend to be most problematic in spring when pollen counts are high. These symptoms can include itchiness, redness, burning or stinging, soreness or blurry vision. Rubbing your eyes may be an instinctive reaction but that can cause further irritation. Some helpful remedies to combat dry eyes in the spring include using a humidifier indoors, drinking lots of fluids, or using prescription or non-prescription eye drops or artificial tears. Not only do these drops keep your eyes lubricated and comfortable, but they can also be a great way to rinse out irritants and allergens.
Clean Your Home
Spring cleaning not only gets your home in order, but it can also contribute to your overall eye health. Deep cleaning the places you spend most of your time in, such as your home and workspace, can help eliminate pollens and other allergens. However, when cleaning, make sure to properly ventilate the area, as dust and irritants will likely get stirred up and may cause allergic reactions. Your spring cleaning routine is also a great time to wash bedspreads and curtains, as well as get rid of expired cosmetics that could lead to infections.
Again, while these are helpful suggestions to keep your eyes healthy in the spring, proper eye care should be on the top of your mind all year. Visiting Family Vision Development Center regularly for vision exams and other eye care services is the best way to maintain healthy vision for life. Schedule your appointment by calling our Aurora office at 630-862-2020.
Family Vision Development Center is a full-service vision center offering innovative vision therapy services, post-concussive vision rehabilitation, comprehensive vision exams for eyeglasses and contact lenses, management of ocular diseases including glaucoma, diabetes, macular degeneration and cataracts, and a state-of-the-art optical center offering the latest designs in eyewear. We are dedicated to keeping our patients comfortable and well-informed and we will explain every exam and procedure and answer all of your questions. We accept both scheduled and emergency appointments, and offer convenient financing and insurance options to ensure that high-quality vision care is available and affordable to all of our patients.