As the days grow shorter and the nights draw in, many of us notice small but significant changes in how our eyes feel. Autumn brings cooler weather, dimmer light, and more time spent indoors – often in front of screens. For those working from home, the shift from bright summer days to lower autumn light can make a big difference to vision and overall wellbeing.
Why Changing Light Affects Your Eyes
Natural light levels fall sharply in autumn, especially towards the end of the working day. This means your eyes have to work harder to adjust, particularly if you’re switching between screens and the outdoors. Poor indoor lighting or glare from lamps can add to the strain.
Common effects include:
Dry or tired eyes after working on screens
Headaches or eye strain in the evenings
Blurred vision when moving between bright and dark environments
Difficulty maintaining focus for long periods
The Impact of Working From Home
Many people are still working from home for at least part of the week. While it has its benefits, home setups are often less than ideal for eye health. Common issues include:
Using laptops at the wrong height or angle
Working in poorly lit rooms, especially as daylight fades earlier
Relying on artificial light that isn’t designed for screen work
Longer screen hours without breaks
Over time, these habits can contribute not just to tired eyes but also to longer-term vision problems if left unaddressed.
Why an Eye Test is About More Than Your Glasses
It’s easy to think of an eye test as something you only need if you’re struggling to see clearly. But the reality is that a comprehensive eye examination checks much more than your vision. At Premier Eyecare, we use advanced technology to spot early signs of conditions such as:
Glaucoma
Cataracts
Macular degeneration
Diabetic retinopathy
These conditions often have no symptoms in their early stages, which is why regular testing is so important. Eye tests can even pick up signs of wider health concerns such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
Looking After Your Eyes This Autumn
To reduce the impact of seasonal changes on your eyes, try the following tips:
Make use of natural light during the day where possible
Position your workspace near a window to benefit from daylight
Adjust your lighting in the evening to avoid glare and sharp contrast
Follow the 20-20-20 rule to give your eyes regular breaks
Keep your routine eye tests up to date
Local Eye Care in Rotherham, Sheffield and Barnsley
At Premier Eyecare, we support patients across Rotherham, Sheffield and Barnsley with thorough eye examinations and tailored advice. If you work from home, spend long hours on screens, or are finding autumn light levels more challenging, we can help ensure your eyes stay healthy through the season and beyond.
Eye tests are available at all three of our practices, and our Rotherham location also offers hearing tests if you’re concerned about changes in your hearing.
Book your appointment with Premier Eyecare today and take proactive steps towards clearer, healthier vision this autumn.
