{"id":6002885,"date":"2025-11-25T16:07:16","date_gmt":"2025-11-25T15:07:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/coi.pt\/?p=6002885"},"modified":"2025-11-25T16:18:56","modified_gmt":"2025-11-25T15:18:56","slug":"how-autumn-and-winter-can-affect-your-eyesight","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/coi.pt\/en\/article\/how-autumn-and-winter-can-affect-your-eyesight\/","title":{"rendered":"How autumn\/winter can affect your eyesight"},"content":{"rendered":"

With the arrival of autumn and winter, the days become shorter and natural light begins to dwindle. Temperatures drop, we spend more time indoors and, inevitably, we increase our exposure to artificial light and digital screens.<\/span>
\n<\/span> They may seem like trivial changes, <\/span>these changes in brightness can significantly affect your vision and eye comfort<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

In this article we explain <\/span>how light influences visual health<\/b> and here are some simple tips to protect your eyes this season.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. less natural light, more visual effort<\/b><\/h3>\n

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During autumn and winter, there is a <\/span>marked reduction in natural sunlight<\/b>. As a result, the pupils dilate to capture more light, which requires <\/span>greater strain on the eye muscles<\/b>. This constant adaptation can cause <\/span>visual fatigue<\/b>, headaches and blurred vision, especially in people who already have refractive errors (such as myopia, astigmatism or hyperopia).<\/span><\/p>\n

What's more, the contrast between indoors and outdoors makes the <\/span>slower visual adaptation<\/b>. When moving from a well-lit space to a darker one (or vice versa), it is normal to feel some temporary visual discomfort.<\/span><\/p>\n

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2. The impact of artificial light and screens<\/b><\/h3>\n

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In the cold months, the time spent at home or at work tends to increase, as does the use of <\/span>televisions, computers and smartphones<\/b>.<\/span>
\n<\/span> These devices emit <\/span>blue light<\/b>, which can contribute to <\/span>digital eyestrain<\/b>, dry eyes and even sleep disturbances, as it interferes with the circadian rhythm.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you spend several hours a day at the computer, it's essential to <\/span>take regular breaks<\/b> (20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 metres away for 20 seconds) and guarantee a <\/span>balanced lighting<\/b> in the workspace - neither too intense nor not enough.<\/span><\/p>\n

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3. Dry air and heating: enemies of moisturised eyes<\/b><\/h3>\n

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The use of heating and air conditioning, common at this time of year, causes <\/span>reduction in air humidity<\/b>.<\/span>
\n<\/span> As a result, the ocular surface tends to dry out, causing <\/span>sensation of sand in the eyes, itching and blurred vision<\/b>.<\/span>
\n<\/span> This phenomenon, known as <\/span>dry eye syndrome<\/b>, is one of the main winter complaints and can be aggravated in contact lens wearers.<\/span><\/p>\n

To relieve symptoms, <\/span>use artificial tears recommended by your optometrist<\/b> and avoid directing the flow of hot air directly at your face.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0Take care of your eyesight - and see better in any season<\/b><\/h3>\n

The good news is that <\/span>most of these discomforts can be prevented<\/b> with simple measures:<\/span><\/p>\n