Spring can place extra demands on your eyes. Allergies, dry eye, glare and UV exposure can all affect comfort and vision, but simple preventative measures and timely professional advice can help keep your eyes healthy throughout the season.
Springtime presents many of us with challenges with our eye health and our eyesight.
The days are getting longer, the days are warmer, and the sun sits higher in the sky. We spend more time outside which exposes us to environmental triggers such as UV exposure and higher pollen counts. We are also more prone to dehydration.
To make sure your eyes are as healthy as possible, unless your optometrist suggests an earlier interval, everyone should have an eye examination with their optometrist every two years.
Why Spring Can Be Challenging for Your Eye Health
Conditions such as dry eye and seasonal allergies can be very pronounced in the spring. Cataracts can cause glare from bright sunshine and flicker from dappled light when the leaves are returning to the trees. Cataracts can cause us problems with adapting from bright environments to darker conditions, such as driving into a tunnel on a bright day and then re-emerging, it can be very disorientating and knock confidence. Driving at twilight can be more challenging too with cataract, the poor contrast can affect our detailed vision and spatial awareness.
Floaters: Why You May Notice Them More Outdoors
If you participate in outdoor activities where you are looking at the sky a lot, such as golf, fishing and sailing, you may be more aware of floaters, (black dots moving around in your vision). If you’re struggling to ignore these, you might want to consider having an ophthalmologist opinion to see if you are suitable for treatment for floaters with a vitrectomy if your symptoms are affecting you daily.
Safety first: It is important to make sure you are wearing the correct contact lenses or glasses for driving to make sure that your sight is optimal in more challenging situations. Sunglasses for daytime driving, polarised lenses for water sports and a peaked hat for managing glare from the sun and antireflection lenses will help manage unwanted discomfort and disorientation from reflections.
Seasonal Allergies and Their Impact on Your Eyes
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, your eyes may be watery and itchy. Contact lens tolerance can be affected by allergies, and it is vital that your contact lenses are kept rigorously clean to prevent damage to the eye and secondary infections to the cornea. Pollens can adhere to the lens surface, so some people take a break from lenses for a while. It is worth noting that antihistamine eye drops and tablets can also exacerbate dry eye. If you are unhappy with using contact lenses, you might want to consider a more permanent solution than contact lenses and speak to our specialist ophthalmologists about refractive lens exchange (RLE).
Cataracts, Glare and Driving Safety During Brighter Months
Consider an ophthalmologist opinion for cataract removal to help you see better or if you do not have cataracts, you might want to consider refractive lens exchange to reduce your reliance on contact lenses or spectacles. You don’t need to wait for your cataracts to be ‘ripe’, if you are getting unwanted symptoms which are making driving difficult or making you nervous about getting behind the wheel; you don’t need to have cataracts to consider refractive lens exchange.
Protecting Your Eyes from UV Damage and Outdoor Activities
Sports such as cycling, swimming, sailing and hiking are more enjoyable in better weather. It is important to protect your eyes from glare and debris, so good cycling eye protection is helpful. Swimming in contact lenses is not advisable due to the risk of infection, so purchasing prescription swim goggles is also beneficial. Eye protection is vital for any activity or sport where there is the risk of fast-moving particles or objects – and this includes indoor activities such as DIY.
Sun damage from UV exposure can affect the skin of the eyelids which is very delicate, and it can lead to actinic keratosis (sun spots), Basal Cell Carcinoma and in some cases malignant melanoma of the eyelids. Pinguecula, (thickening of the conjunctival tissue overlaying the white of the eye), is also attributed to prolonged exposure to hot, sunny and dry conditions. So, wearing a peaked hat and good quality UV protective sunglasses is advisable at any age. If you notice any new lumps and bumps on your eyes or eyelids, it’s important to get them checked out quickly, especially if they are getting bigger. An oculoplastic surgeon can make a swift diagnosis and help you with a treatment plan.
Seasonal Allergies
Itchy, watery eyes can affect comfort and contact lens wear during periods of high pollen.
Cataracts
Brighter conditions may make glare, reduced contrast and other cataract symptoms more noticeable.
Floaters
Many people become more aware of floaters when spending time outdoors looking at bright skies.
Dry Eye
Spring weather, screens and dehydration can all contribute to dry, irritated and watery eyes.
Dry Eyes in Spring: Causes, Symptoms and Simple Relief Measures
Dry eyes: Can be a problem all year long, but you won’t necessarily notice the same symptoms as in the winter. Itching, burning or watery eyes may be a sign of allergy or dry eye, and allergic conjunctivitis will make a dry eye feel uncomfortable. It is important to get this checked with your eye care practitioner.
More and more, people spend time on computers, digital devices and televisions. However, we don’t blink so much when we are using screens, which means the interval in between blinks is longer and not enough to replace the tears that have evaporated. This leads to a negative cycle of the cornea drying and the requirement for more tears. Pair this with warmer days, allergies and dehydration, and the eyes can become very dry and uncomfortable. Simple measures like taking screen breaks every 20 minutes for 20 seconds, using humidifiers and using preservative free lubricant eye drops can help. Contact lenses also dry out in these conditions more easily, so keeping them very clean, managing wearing time and giving your eyes a rest is essential. Remembering to drink plenty of water in warmer weather will help with dehydration.
Nutrition, Hydration and Lifestyle Habits That Support Healthy Eyes
Self-Care for Eyes in the Spring
Keeping yourself well nourished, hydrated, well rested and healthy all contribute to better eye health. Keeping your eyes clean, managing blepharitis and using warm eye compresses will help to keep your eyes feeling comfortable too and less prone to dryness and infection.
Diet and exercise are good for you and for your eyes. Eating a wide variety of colourful fruit and vegetables gives our eyes the essential vitamins needed for good vision. Eyes need vitamin A, B2, C, E, Omega 3-fatty acids, zinc, lutein and zeaxanthin. Top foods for eyes are leafy greens, colourful vegetables and fruits, berries, nuts, oily fish and liver.
Diet and exercise are good for you and for your eyes. Eating a wide variety of colourful fruit and vegetables gives our eyes the essential vitamins needed for good vision. Eyes need vitamin A, B2, C, E, Omega 3-fatty acids, zinc, lutein and zeaxanthin. Top foods for eyes are leafy greens, colourful vegetables and fruits, berries, nuts, oily fish and liver.
How Sapphire Eye Care Can Support Your Eye Health Journey
Given the challenges our eyes face every day, Sapphire is here to help you with your eye health journey in several ways.
E Clinic
Our specialist Sapphire Optometrist can spend time with you in a FREE e-consult to discuss any concerns you have about your eyes and can direct you to the most appropriate treatment for your concerns.
Ophthalmology
Our dedicated team of specialist surgeons and ophthalmic nurses offer you bespoke care for your cataracts, refractive lens exchange, vitrectomy (floaters and macular hole), retinal concerns, glaucoma and dry eye, lacrimal drainage issues and all eyelid surgeries. Request a free callback today.
Frequently asked questions
What are common eye problems in spring?
Spring can trigger allergies, dry eyes, glare sensitivity and increased awareness of floaters due to brighter outdoor conditions and higher pollen levels.
How can I protect my eyes during spring?
Wearing UV-protective sunglasses, staying hydrated, taking screen breaks and managing allergies can all help protect your eyes in spring.
Why do my eyes feel dry or irritated in warmer weather?
Warmer temperatures, dehydration, increased screen time and seasonal allergies can reduce tear quality and cause dry, irritated eyes.
Can allergies affect my vision or contact lenses?
Yes, allergies can cause itching, watering and discomfort, and may reduce contact lens tolerance due to irritation and pollen buildup.
Are floaters more noticeable in spring?
Yes, floaters often become more noticeable when looking at bright skies or spending more time outdoors.
When should I see an eye specialist?
You should seek professional advice if you experience persistent dryness, vision changes, worsening floaters or discomfort affecting daily activities.
Medically reviewed by Andre Litwin
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon.
Medically Reviewed, June 2026
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