From your wardrobe and after-work plans to your eyes and everything in between: a new season always requires a lot of adjusting. Waving goodbye to the long, summer days and saying hello to the shorter and darker season of autumn, plus those itchy, dry eyes isn't always easy. But fear not; our handy guide of tips on how to manage autumnal weather and contact lenses while soothing any symptoms has you covered.
Itchy, watery eyes
Autumn often brings along an uninvited guest we could all do without: hay fever. Between brown leaves falling and blasts of wind, your eyes don't get time to breathe. Equally, not looking after your eyes properly in the cold weather can also cause them to dry out.
Here are our tips for contact lens pros and enthused beginners to end the watery autumn itch:
- Stay room temperature-perfect: It's getting chillier outside, so blasting the air conditioner on hot might seem like the best way to stay warm and cosy. Sadly, this isn't a great idea for your eyes, and can quickly dry them out, making your contact lenses feel uncomfortable. Reach for a snug blanket or chunky knit instead, believe us - your eyes (and your electricity bill) will thank you!
- Treat your dry eyes: If you do want to soldier on with the air conditioning, or embrace breezy walks without any discomfort, you can swiftly fight the dryness with treatments like eye drops or gels. everclear Eye Drops are especially effective, with a gentle formula of herbal, natural ingredients providing speedy and soothing relief. Contact lens wearers can also use eye drops to give their lenses a refresh (always check to see which ones yours are compatible with). Keep a bottle in your bag, so you're always armed to protect your eyes when all itchy hell breaks loose. Plus, to master the best approach to apply your eye drops - have a glance at our how-to guide.
- Clean up: Keep all allergens and dust particles at bay by wiping your shelves with a damp cloth, changing your bedsheets and washing your clothes regularly.
- See your GP more often: If you experience chronic pain, hay fever, fatigue or dry eyes, staying in touch with your doctor is key. There might be an underlying cause for some of the symptoms you're experiencing, and getting a quick diagnosis is the best way forward.
Rest your eyes
Tiredness has an impact on the entire body, but your eyes are the first to signal it. Eye fatigue can be such a pain, so here are some things to do to keep it at bay:
- The 20/20/20 rule: Digital strain is the main cause of eye fatigue and the easiest way of combating it is by taking 20 seconds every 20 minutes to let your eyes focus on something 20 feet away from your screen. Try to take your lunch break away from your computer and put your phone away 30 minutes before going to bed, in order to let your eyes rest properly and to sleep better.
- Get enough sleep: Make sure to get your beauty sleep every night and don't push to watch that extra episode on Netflix; your body needs all the rest it can get. Remember that sleeping with your contact lenses in is also a big no-no, as this can cause dry and itchy eyes, too. For those with packed schedules, who want to doze off every night without worry, extended wear lenses, which can be slept in stress-free, will do the trick. Sounds appealing? Visit your optician for an eye test to find out if this is a good solution for you.
- Be caffeine-conscious: The daily recommended amount of 400mg of coffee, when consumed in the morning, has been proven to do wonders for your vision. It's veering off when all the troubles start, as too much coffee can damage your eyesight by increasing pressure in your eyes, possibly increasing your risk of glaucoma down the line.
- Move those eye muscles: To help tired, agitated eyes feel more comfortable at the end of the day, or to give them a boost during an afternoon slump, try out some eye exercises. These super-easy techniques will relax your eyes, improve circulation and strengthen your eye muscles.
About everclear ELITE
Exclusive to Vision Direct, everclear ELITE lenses are a fantastically hygienic a comfortable option. Designed from moisturising silicone hydrogel and with a high water content, they'll keep your eyes feeling fresh and hydrated from breakfast to bedtime.
Perfect for new and more seasoned wearers, these lenses also have an in-built UV filter, protecting your eyes from harmful rays during autumn and beyond.
Discover everclear ELITE