When you think of allergies, the image in many people’s minds is a field of spring flowers. While this may certainly get your sneeze factory going, wintertime is equally miserable for an allergy sufferer. An optometrist treats lots of itchy red eyes in the winter due to increased time spent indoors with allergens. Here’s how you can help:
Cleaning House
During the winter when more time is spent inside, household dust can take its toll. Pet dander, dust from holiday decorations and from organizing your home to meet those resolutions all contribute to indoor pollution. For that reason, it’s important to wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth regularly to remove built-up dust. Keep kitty or canine bathed and groomed to cut down on dander. Run the vacuum often and be sure to change or clean the filters of the machine when you are finished to further reduce the pollution factor.
Air Filters
Step two in improving the air in your home and removing allergens is to replace your furnace or HVAC filters regularly, and buy a quality filter. Those inexpensive blue filters may be tempting, but the truth is that they only remove very large particles from entering the system. Invest in a higher quality filter that is designed to remove the tiniest and most microscopic of debris, and replace it on schedule. You can also talk to your optometrist about household filtration systems that may provide additional benefit.
Fireplaces
The allure of a romantic winter fire is certainly wonderful, however it can be one of the most allergy-provoking things that you can do. Dust, ash, and carbon in the air have the potential to make your eyes and lungs burn, and send you to the optometrist for rescue. Limit exposure to fireplace and outdoor fires, or be prepared to handle the consequences.
Winter allergies are just as annoying as those in warmer months, but there are a few ways you can minimize the potential. If these methods aren’t enough, talk to your optometrist and allergist about treatments that will work for you.
