Autumn in McKinney comes with crisp mornings, football practice, and a few eye care surprises. Here’s what to check off to keep your family’s vision healthy and clear this season.
Fall in McKinney means cooler weather, school in full swing, and busy family schedules. But it also brings many eye problems that can appear quickly. These include allergies, dry air, and more screen time when the sun sets early. If your child is squinting at the board or you have dry, tired eyes after work, now is the time to prepare for the season..
This checklist is designed for Texas families just like yours. Use it to keep every pair of eyes in your household healthy, protected, and ready for whatever the fall brings.
Make Time for That Eye Exam
When life gets busy, eye exams often fall to the bottom of the list. But fall is the perfect time to get ahead of potential issues — before holiday season chaos hits.
- Kids need clear vision to succeed in school. Even slight prescription changes can impact reading, focus, and learning.
- Adults should keep tabs on screen strain, dry eyes, or shifting prescriptions.
- Older adults benefit from early detection of cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
The team at Complete Family Eye Care offers comprehensive exams for all ages, using advanced diagnostic tools to catch small issues before they become big ones. Need a weekend or after-school slot? Ask about flexible appointments — and cross this one off your to-do list early.
Tackle Allergies and Dry Eyes Head-On
Don’t let fall ragweed, dust, and dry HVAC air catch you off guard. In North Texas, allergy season can last well into November, and indoor heating dries out the air fast.
- Eyes itchy, watery, or red? Fall allergens are likely the culprit.
- Using heat or AC? That dry air can cause or worsen dry eye symptoms.
- Wearing contact lenses? You might feel them dry out more quickly this time of year.
Try this:
- Run a humidifier indoors.
- Keep lubricating drops handy.
- Swap to daily contact lenses if irritation is frequent.
- Clean eyelids before bed — especially for kids after outdoor play.
If symptoms persist, the Dr. Kenneth Garza at Complete Family Eye Care can suggest the right treatment or lenses to keep your eyes feeling fresh.
Don’t Let Fall Glare Catch You Off Guard
The sun might not feel as strong in autumn, but it’s still working overtime on your eyes. And with earlier sunsets, you’re more likely to deal with headlight glare or low-angle sun during evening drives.
Here’s what helps:
- Sunglasses with full UV protection — still essential on cool, sunny days.
- Polarized lenses to cut through glare (great for after-school sports, too).
- Blue-light filters if you’re logging extra screen time indoors.
From toddler sizes to adult choices, our optical team can help you find eyewear that looks good and performs well. This is especially important when the seasons change and activities shift.
Give Glasses and Contacts a Seasonal Checkup
Have you noticed scratched lenses, outgrown frames, or outdated prescriptions? Fall is a good time to refresh your eyewear before winter hits.
Think about this:
- Kids may need a second pair of glasses — especially if they play sports.
- Adults working from home could benefit from updated blue-light lenses.
- Switching to moisture-rich or daily contacts can help ease irritation.
- Clean or replace contact lens cases to avoid bacteria buildup.
If your current lenses or frames aren’t cutting it, the staff at is happy to help you find the right fit — and we’ve got options for every age and style.
Watch for Increased Screen Time as Days Get Shorter
When the sun goes down early, the screens come on earlier, too. Tablets, phones, and computers are part of daily life — especially after school or during cozy fall evenings indoors — but they can strain the eyes more than you think.
Some signs your family might be feeling the effects:
- Complaints of headaches or blurry vision after homework
- Rubbing eyes or squinting at screens
- Difficulty falling asleep due to evening screen exposure
Simple changes can make a big difference:
- Use the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Keep screens at eye level to reduce neck and eye strain.
- Ask us about blue-light lenses — they’re not just a trend; they can help.
If you or your child are squinting more than usual, it might be time for a quick vision check or lens upgrade. We're happy to assess and recommend the best solution for your screen habits.
Keep an Eye on Seniors’ Eye Health This Season
If you have aging parents or grandparents in your household, fall is an ideal time to check in on their vision. Many eye diseases that affect older adults progress slowly and painlessly — until they cause serious trouble.
Look out for signs like:
- Hesitation while reading or watching TV
- Trouble driving at dusk or night
- New light sensitivity or increased glare complaints
Even if they haven’t said anything, a fall exam can spot changes early and give you peace of mind going into winter. Complete Family Eye Care offers gentle, thorough exams tailored to senior patients — and we’ll take the time to walk through any concerns.
Your Fall Family Eye Health Checklist
Here’s a quick version you can screenshot or print:
- Schedule a comprehensive eye exam for each family member
- Use artificial tears and a humidifier for dry air relief
- Clean eyelids before bed to reduce irritation from allergens
- Check and clean contact lens cases (replace if over 3 months old)
- Upgrade to polarized sunglasses or blue-light lenses if needed
- Assess current glasses — look for scratches or outgrown frames
- Watch for signs of digital eye strain in kids and adults
- Ask older family members about any new vision changes
- Visit your local optometrist before the holiday rush
Fall Eye Care Made Easy — Right Here in McKinney
You don’t have to figure all this out alone. At Complete Family Eye Care, we’ve helped families across McKinney and beyond navigate seasonal changes and stay on top of their vision health.
Whether you need an updated prescription, new frames for school, or support managing fall allergies and dry eyes, our team is here to help — with expert care and that friendly, local touch you can count on.
Give us a call or Book online today. Let’s make sure this season is all about comfort, clarity, and confident vision for the whole family.