Fall Into Healthy Eyes: Keeping Your Eyes Comfortable as the Season Changes
Have your eyes been feeling a little dry or itchy lately? You might notice it after spending time outside, turning on the heat, or sitting at your computer for a few hours.
Fall brings changes to our routines and surroundings, and your eyes can feel those changes, too. Here are a few things to watch for and some ways to keep them comfortable.
When Your Eyes Feel Dry
Once the heat comes on, your eyes may start feeling dry. Windy days outside can add to the discomfort.
Dry eyes don’t always feel the same for everyone. You might notice burning, redness, or a gritty feeling, as if something is in your eye. Your eyes may even water more than usual—yes, watery eyes can be a sign of dryness.
If this sounds familiar, a humidifier may help keep your indoor air from getting too dry. Follow its cleaning instructions and avoid making the room overly humid, especially if mold triggers your allergies. If the discomfort keeps coming back, ask your eye care provider what might help.
Allergies Aren’t Just a Spring Thing
If your eyes start itching after raking leaves or taking a walk, fall allergies may be part of the problem. Ragweed pollen and mold in damp leaves are common triggers this time of year.
A few habits may help:
Try not to rub your eyes. It can make irritation worse.
Check local pollen counts. Keeping windows closed on high-pollen days can limit what gets indoors.
Wear glasses or sunglasses outside. They can help keep pollen out of your eyes.
Change clothes after spending a long time outdoors. Showering before bed can also help keep pollen from following you into your bedroom.
If allergies keep bothering you, talk with your provider about treatment options.
Give Your Eyes a Break From Screens
Whether you’re working, catching up on a show, or scrolling through your phone, it’s easy to spend longer on a screen than you intended.
We tend to blink less while looking at screens, which can leave our eyes feeling dry and irritated. Try the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something about 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Think of it as a reminder to pause and look beyond your screen.
Keeping your computer screen slightly below eye level can also help. If you tend to forget breaks, try setting a reminder during your workday.
Know When to Call Your Eye Care Provider
You don’t have to put up with ongoing discomfort. If your symptoms aren’t improving or keep returning, contact your eye care provider.
Seek urgent care for a painful, red eye. Sudden vision changes, loss of vision, or pain when looking at light need immediate medical attention. Don’t assume those symptoms are just seasonal allergies or dryness.
As you settle into your fall routine, check in with how your eyes feel. A screen break or a change to your surroundings may help—but when something doesn’t feel right, reach out for care. Looking for more simple ways to care for your eyes at home? Check out our DIY Eye Care post.
This article provides general information. For advice about your symptoms, talk with your eye care provider. References
Computer vision syndrome (digital eye strain): What it is. Cleveland Clinic. (2025, December 19). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24802-computer-vision-syndrome
Dry eye. National Eye Institute. (2025, August 6). https://www.nei.nih.gov/eye-health-information/eye-conditions-and-diseases/dry-eye
Eye allergy. American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. (2023, October 30). https://acaai.org/allergies/allergic-conditions/eye-allergy/
Fall allergy symptoms are similar to spring and summer – and can hit as hard. American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. (2025, August 28). https://acaai.org/news/fall-allergy-symptoms-are-similar-to-spring-and-summer-and-can-hit-as-hard/
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