Can Daylight Saving Time Affect Your Eye Health?
Twice a year, we adjust our clocks for Daylight Saving Time—springing forward in March and falling back in November. While this time shift may seem like a simple change, it can throw off your sleep, energy levels, and even your eye health. If you’ve ever noticed tired, dry, or strained eyes after the clocks change, you’re not imagining things!
Changes in light exposure and sleep patterns can impact how well your eyes function and adapt. Here’s what you need to know about Daylight Saving Time and your vision, plus simple ways to protect your eye health during the transition.
Why Daylight Saving Time Can Affect Your Eyes
Our eyes rely on a consistent balance of light and rest to stay healthy. When the time changes, your routine shifts—meaning your body and eyes have to adjust. Here are a few key ways Daylight Saving Time can impact your vision.
1. Sleep Disruptions Can Lead to Dry, Tired Eyes
Your eyes recover and refresh while you sleep. A lack of rest can lead to dryness, irritation, and increased strain—especially if you spend long hours on screens. Losing just one hour of sleep when we “spring forward” can interrupt your body’s natural rhythm, making your eyes feel more fatigued.
2. More Time in Artificial Light Can Increase Eye Strain
With the time shift, your exposure to natural daylight changes. In the fall, evenings get darker earlier, meaning you may spend more time under artificial lighting—at home, at work, or staring at screens. Blue light from computers and phones can disrupt melatonin production, making it harder to sleep and leading to more digital eye strain.
3. Driving in Low Light Can Affect Your Vision
For many people, Daylight Saving Time means commuting in darker conditions. Whether it’s early morning in the spring or late evening in the fall. Glare from headlights, streetlights, and reflections can be harsh, especially if you have dry eyes or an outdated glasses prescription. Night driving may feel harder and more strain on your vision during these seasonal transitions.
How to Keep Your Eyes Healthy During Time Changes
Daylight Saving Time may be unavoidable, but eye strain, fatigue, and dryness don’t have to be! Try these simple habits to help your eyes adjust.
- Give Your Eyes a Break from Screens – Reduce blue light exposure in the evening by turning off devices 1 hour before bed or using a blue light filter. This can help regulate melatonin levels and support better sleep.
- Stay Hydrated – Dry air and fatigue can make dry eye symptoms worse. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and use artificial tears if needed.
- Adjust Your Sleep Schedule Early – A week before the time change, start going to bed 15-30 minutes earlier or later (depending on the season) to help your body adjust more smoothly.
- Upgrade Your Night Driving Vision – If glare and low-light conditions make driving harder, consider anti-reflective lenses or updating your glasses prescription for sharper nighttime vision.
- Schedule Your Annual Eye Exam – If you’re experiencing persistent eye fatigue, blurry vision, or dry eyes, an eye exam can help determine the cause and offer solutions to keep your vision clear.
Spring Forward with Healthy Vision at Looking Glass Optical
Daylight Saving Time is a great reminder to check in on your eye health and make sensurevision is at its best. Whether you need relief from eye strain, updated glasses, or solutions for dry eyes, we’re here to help. Schedule your next eye exam at Looking Glass Optical today!
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