Fall seems to have come early for many parts of the country, especially here in Indianapolis. Pretty soon we will see the leaves changing colors, bring out our jackets and sweaters and notice the weather drastically changing. This brings a whole new round of allergies for many individuals who suffer this time of year. For many people, they will often have a stuffy nose, itchy eyes and sneezing. Whether it’s the autumn leaves, pollen and or mold, the effects these items bring are not something many like to endure. This blog is full of tips from your Indianapolis Optometrist about how to prepare for fall allergies.

Here are 10 natural ways to help reduce your fall allergies:

Limit the amount of outdoor air from coming inside. Many of us like to open the windows in the fall, to bring in the fresh air and cool the house down. But this also allows the outdoor air to come inside. Which in turn brings in the outdoor allergens, such as pollen. If possible, limit the amount of time you open your windows and use the air conditioner on a higher temperature when the pollen count is extremely high.

Keep your home clean. Vacuum your home and mop the floors with a damp sponge often. Leave the pets off of the furniture, as they roll around in the yard and can bring these indoors; which will stick to the furniture.

Change your furnace filter. Allergy-friendly furnaces capture pollen with a pleated design filter. Run your furnace on low to keep the air circulating and change your filter every 3 months, unless you notice it is full or dirty before then.

Change your Linens Regularly. When you go outdoors, your clothes come in contact with many allergens. Once you come home, these allergens than cling to whatever you sit on, especially your bedding. Wash blankets, sheets, couch covers, and comforters often. Also, change your clothes when you come home and shower after. This way, you are getting the allergens off of not only your clothing but also your body as well.

Clear leaf piles. Dust and mold can grow in piles of leaves. When you jump and or play in them, you can come in contact with these allergens. It is best to rake the leaves, bag them and dispose of. Wear gloves and a mask if you have terrible allergies while raking. It is important to remove the leaves, so they do not blow around and go to other areas of your yard, as this is an easy way to spread allergens all over.

Check pollen levels. Pay attention to the pollen levels in your area. Keep your activities indoors, when these levels are high and or you can visible see the pollen in the air.

Purchase allergy-free houseplants. There are plants you can buy that can improve the ability to improve the air quality in your home. Adding these to your home can help improve the quality of air when you cannot open windows. Here is a list of a few of the plants: Peace Lily, Florist’s Daisy, Hardy Garden Mum, Devil’s Ivy, Snake Plant, and English Ivy.

Visit your Indianapolis Optometrists if allergies are affecting your vision

Although it is rare, your Indianapolis Optometrists can help if your seasonal allergies affect your vision outside watery eyes. Eye drops are helpful in relieving allergy symptoms. These tips are intended to prepare you before the pesty allergens come in full effect. Hopefully, these tips from your Indianapolis Optometrists will help control your fall allergies, so you do not have to deal with the stuffiness and aches that come along with them.