EYES on The Apple of Your EYE

October in St Albans has its own kind of magic. Highfield Park’s Apple Day brings families together to celebrate orchards, heritage, and plenty of cider pressing. But have you ever wondered why we call someone special “the apple of our eye”?

The phrase goes way back to Old English times. In the ninth century, “apple” meant the round, central part of the eye – the pupil. Your pupil was seen as the most precious part of your vision, something to protect at all costs. Later, in translations of the Bible, it appeared as “Keep me as the apple of the eye” – a poetic reminder of how carefully we shield our sight.

Fast forward to today and we use the phrase for anything we hold dear. And let’s be honest, our eyes really should be top of that list. They’re working overtime in autumn – from bright low sun on the school run, to darker evenings and headlight glare on the drive home.

Looking after your eyes isn’t just about clear vision; it’s about protecting that precious “apple” in the centre. At EYES on St Albans, we check more than just your prescription. We look at eye health, glare sensitivity, early signs of conditions, and how your vision adapts through the seasons.

And yes – apples themselves are pretty good for you too. They’re packed with antioxidants like Vitamin C, which support healthy blood vessels in the eyes. Not a miracle food, but a nice link between orchard and optician.

So while you’re enjoying Highfield Park Apple Day or stocking up on St Albans market produce, take a moment to think about your own “apples.” Book yourself an eye test, keep glare at bay with good lenses, and make sure your vision lasts for many more autumns to come.

Because when it comes to your health, your eyes really are the apple of your eye.