How To Battle Fall Eye Allergies
Allergies do not just strike in the spring; for many individuals, allergies come on really strong in the fall. Here are a few eye care tips to help you deal with the fall allergy season.
Stay Inside When The Pollen Counts Are High
In the fall, the pollen count tends to be highest during the morning and early evening hours. If you can, avoid going outside during those times of day. Instead, get your sunlight in during mid-day, when the pollen counts tend to be lower. This will reduce the agitation your eyes experience due to high pollen counts.
Keep Your Home Pollen Free
In the fall, your vacuum should become your best friend. Vacuum every other day in order to remove all the allergens and pollen that make their way into your home. Try to invest in a vacuum that uses a HEPA filter; these types of filters are specifically designed to filter out microscopic allergens that could be irritating your eyes.
Keep Your Windows Closed
When you drive your car, keep the windows closed. This will help keep the pollen out of your car and out of your eyes. You should also replace your cabin air filter as well if is is dirty or getting worn out; this is another way to keep the air in your vehicle clean while fighting fall allergies.
Wear Daily Disposable Lenses
If you wear contact lenses, see if you can switch to the daily disposable kind for the fall. That way, you will be able to get rid of your contacts at the end of the day, as well as any microscopic allergens that are trying to hang out there.
Switch To Prescription Eye Drops
Talk to your eye doctor and see if you can switch to prescription eye drops. See if you can get eye drops that are designed specifically to fight reactions to allergens. Regular over the counter decongestant eye drops often make the problem worse because they constrict the blood vessels in your eyes.
Switch To Glasses
If your eyes are getting really irritated by fall allergens, and you can't avoid being outside, you might want to skip the contacts all together. Allergens can get stuck on your contacts, causing all day irritation. When you wear glasses, you don't run into this same issue. Glasses are a great way to give your eyes a break from both contact lenses and allergens if your eyes flare up in the fall.
In order to battle fall eye allergies, you need to take a well-rounded approach. Try to limit your exposure to allergens and pollens, and keep your home and car free of them. You also need to adjust your eye care routine as well; glasses and disposable lenses are the way to go when your allergies are flaring up. For more information, talk to a professional like Envision Eyecare.