#128 Happy Fall + Happy Eyes

 Who doesn't love Fall?  We've got hay rides, apple picking, football games, and everything pumpkin spice flavored available for this very short time.  And, this time of year, when the weather gets a little bit cooler here in Louisiana, it is a great time to enjoy being outdoors again.  I want to go over three tips to have happy eyes in the fall.

Tip #1) Hydrate - Keep the moisture coming from the inside

The first tips is to hydrate.  What I mean by this is continue to drink water. I've got a cup that I keep on my desk at the office with a straw so that I can sip and get all of my ounces of water in while I am working.

It's important to remember to hydrate during this time of the year because  it's not so hot outside. So, you're not as thirsty as you were all summer. You will need to consciously remember to drink water.

Your body needs a certain amount of water to keep working properly. And, that amount of water differs depending on the individual.  You calculate your daily water intake based on weight. 

Take your weight in pounds and divide that number by two and that's how many ounces of water you should drink.  The old rule was just that everyone needed to drink 8 eight-ounce glasses of water each day.  The math was the same for everyone, 64 ounces total.  But, that has changed now.

If you do the math for your specific weight, you may find that you need significantly more water.  For example, let's say you weigh 200 pounds. We divide that in half. And. you would need to drink a hundred ounces of water instead of the 64 ounces with the old calculation. 

That's how you're going to calculate it and make sure you're getting enough water.  If your body is not hydrated, it can't make tears.  And, if your eyes aren't hydrated, they don't look, feel, or see well either. 

Pro Tip: Drink water through a straw.  Studies show you will actually get more ounces in per sip.

Tip #2) Watch Out for Heaters - Add hydration from the outside

 This may be the first time the weather has gotten a little bit cool.  Perhaps, it may be the first time in a long time that you've turned your heaters on.  When you're turning your heaters on, just be aware it will dry out the air around you.

You may also start enjoying turning on your fireplace for the first time and that slope can be irritating.   When you have dryer air around you, it is a good idea to add some moisture to your eyes.  I recommend using preservative-free artificial tears throughout the day, especially if you're spending any amount of time near a heater or a fireplace. 

 You may even want to go with a thicker drop that is more moisturizing such as using a gel or ointment before bed as well.  If you don't already have a favorite artificial tear, check out the artificial tear guide to find the perfect tear for your situation.  You can download it for free here.

Tip #3) Use a Humidifier - Add some moisture to your surroundings.

Your heaters are pulling the moisture out of the air.  Go ahead and actively put more moisture back into the air. Using a humidifier is a great way to do that.  There are several different styles of humidifiers to choose from.

A small desktop humidifier is great if to use while you are working in an office for long periods of time.  Many of the desktop style have a USB port that you can plug it into your laptop.  These are also great if you travel and need to pack it in a suitcase.

If you're spending time in a larger room, such as a living room or bedroom, you may want to have a large humidifier that sits on the floor.

Or, if you are in your vehicle for long periods of time, there are also personal humidifiers designed to plug in and sit in a cup holder.  No matter what your lifestyle demands, there is a humidifier right for you.

CONCLUSION

Fall is a great time of year to enjoy time outdoors or extra festivities with friends and family.  Keep your eyes happy by staying hydrated.  You can achieve appropriate hydration levels by increasing the moisture levels in your body, on your eye, and in your surroundings.  It's as easy as drinking extra water, keeping preservative-free artificial tears handy, and using a humidifier in the spaces you spend the most time in. 

Happy fall, Y'all.  If you need a guide to start using an artificial tear, or you are ready to find a new favorite tear for the fall, check out the Ultimate Guide to Artificial Tears.  You can download it here.