Winter eye allergies can be a challenge, even in a mild climate like Texas. The season still brings dry air, allergens, and other irritants that can trigger itchy, watery eyes. Plus, colder weather means spending more time indoors, where dust and other allergens can make symptoms even worse.
To help manage winter eye allergies in Texas, consider the following helpful tips:
- Use a humidifier:
Texas winters can be dry, leading to irritated eyes. Use a humidifier in your home to add moisture to the air and prevent dry eyes. At the same time, it is good to remember that closed windows and doors can spread the growth of mold because of the damp. Keeping indoor humidity between thirty and fifty percent will help with that.
- Stay hydrated:
Drinking enough water helps keep your body, including your eyes, well-hydrated, which can reduce the dryness that causes irritations.
- Avoid smoking or using strong chemicals:
Smoke and chemical fumes can irritate your eyes. If you smoke, try to avoid smoking indoors or in spaces where you spend a lot of time. It is always best to ensure proper ventilation when using strong cleaning chemicals.
- Control indoor heating:
HVAC systems can dry out the air, affecting the normal production of eye wetness. Consider adjusting the temperature and humidity level to maintain comfort while reducing the cause of dryness of the eyes.
- Watch out for dust mites:
Dust levels often rise in the winter as homes are sealed up. Make sure to clean your home regularly by vacuuming with a HEPA filter and dusting frequently. It is helpful to find quality dusting cloths to prevent spreading the dust into the indoor air.
- Reduce pet dander:
If you have pets, their dander can be an irritant, especially as they spend more time indoors during colder months. Keep your pets clean and limit their access to bedrooms and sleeping areas.
- Beware of pollen:
While Texas is not as pollen-heavy in winter as in the spring, certain plants (like cedar trees) can still release pollen, especially in areas like Central Texas. Check local pollen forecasts and limit outdoor activities during high pollen days.
- Protect against the wind:
Those blue northers or winter winds can stir up allergens and dry out your eyes. If you have to go outside, wear protective glasses or sunglasses to shield your eyes from dust, pollen, and wind.
How to keep your eyes moist and comfortable when allergies strike?
Dealing with dry, itchy eyes during allergy season may be be frustrating and in some cases, unavoidable, but there are ways to find relief. Try these easy tips to keep your eyes hydrated and soothed when allergies flare up:
- Artificial Tears:
Use lubricating eye drops or artificial tears to help relieve dryness and discomfort. It is a good idea to check with your eye care specialist to ensure you purchase a high-quality product with no side effects.
- Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes:
Rubbing your eyes can worsen irritation and make symptoms more intense. Instead, use a cold compress to soothe irritated eyes.
- Consider Warm Compresses:
If you experience dryness or discomfort, apply a warm compress over your eyes to open up your tear ducts and help with moisture retention.
How to treat winter eye allergies?
Taking steps to manage discomfort and reduce your exposure to allergens may be enough to avoid winter eye allergies. However, there are additional steps that can be taken to treat allergy discomfort:
- Over-the-counter antihistamine drops can provide relief from itching and redness caused by allergies.
- Oral antihistamines can help manage allergy symptoms in general, but they may cause additional dryness.
If you’re experiencing persistent symptoms, contact a trained eye care specialist. An optometrists can help to identify specific allergens that trigger your symptoms and offer suggestions for appropriate treatments.
Why you should choose Johnson Eye Care for help avoiding winter allergies?
For all your winter allergy concerns, a visit with Dr. Jennifer Johnson at Johnson Eye Care is a good action to take. Dr. Johnson is a licensed Therapeutic Optometrist and Optometric Glaucoma Specialist trained to provide valuable insight into your vision health. She will work one-on-one with you and your family members to diagnose any winter eye concerns and create a treatment plan design specifically for your needs. Contact Johnson Eye Care today to make an appointment for an exam at one of their two Texas locations – in Boerne and Fredericksburg.