While spring brings with it warmer weather and longer daylight hours, it’s also a season where it’s wise to be wary when you’re behind the wheel. New research has found that two-thirds (64%) of Brits say their eyes feel more tired during the spring months of the year.
Dr Nisa Aslam, advisor to MacuShield, specialists in eye supplements, explains why. She says: “Driving places extra demands on our vision when there are low light levels of light and indeed bright light that can fall into a windscreen and cause glare; glare from headlights, rain and generally poor weather conditions, which all make it harder for the eyes to focus quickly and clearly.”
Tired eyes during spring are caused by a combination of risk factors such as increased screen time as we still stay indoors more; reduced daylight hours versus the longer hours of summer and dry indoor air. This is causing a third (33%) of Brits to notice blurry vision and just over one in four say they have dry or irritated eyes during the winter into spring months.
Dr Aslam adds: "Coupled with this, many of us tend to change our diets across the winter and spring seasons which often lack the correct eye-supporting nutrients." The expert has now identified four things that can help tired spring eyes when it comes to driving.
Avoid driving when tired
With so many Brits experiencing tired eyes during spring, being physically tired may only make things worse. “Avoid driving when you’re tired and if you’re driving long distances, take regular breaks as tired eyes react more slowly, especially in poor light,” says Dr Aslam.
Eat the rainbow, every day
Dr Aslam says: "Eye health-supporting nutrients include vitamin B2, copper, vitamin C and macular carotenoids- lutein, meso-zeaxanthin and zeaxanthin - these form the macular pigment, the central part of the retina in the eye which is responsible for sharp, detailed vision.”
She advises people should eat a range of colourful fruit and veg and consider a supplement to help bridge any dietary gaps such as MacuShield Original+Omega 3 which contains a nutrient blend of the three macular carotenoids plus vitamin B2 and a daily dose of 250mg of DHA – which each help to maintain normal vision.
Check your headlights
Before you set of on a drive, especially in dim light, give your car a quick once-over. Dr Aslam says: “Ensure headlights are clean and properly aligned to avoid unnecessary glare. Lower the dashboard brightness at night too; this helps reduce the strain on your eyes. Make sure your windscreen and mirrors are clean and use anti-glare settings.”
Eat oily fish at least once a week
Dr Aslam explains: “The omega-3 fatty acid Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is of particular benefit for eyes, as the cell membranes of the retina contain a high concentration of DHA. We need 250 milligrams (mg) of DHA daily to help to maintain normal vision.” DHA is found in oily fish such as sardines, mackerel and salmon 11 .
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Clean headlights reduce glare that strains already tired spring eyes, improving driving safety.
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Spring eye fatigue affects two-thirds of drivers, making proper vehicle maintenance crucial for road safety.
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Eating oily fish weekly provides DHA, an omega-3 that supports retinal health with 250mg needed daily.