Even though most plants aren’t blooming and producing pollen in the winter, you can still experience allergies during the cold months. Allergens at any time of the year can irritate your eyes, and many people find winter ones cause terrible eye irritation. A visit to the optometrist can help identify the problem. Read on to learn about three of the most common winter allergies that affect your eyes. 

3 Common Winter Allergies That Affect Your Eyes

1. Indoor Allergies

It’s no surprise people spend a bit more time indoors during the colder months of the year. They also keep their homes tightly closed against the weather and run the furnace a lot. This can result in lots of indoor allergens flying around the house, irritating your eyes. These include  dust and pet dander. 

2. Mold

Although mold is often thought of as a warm-weather problem, it’s a big issue in the winter, too. Holiday decorations, especially trees, can harbor mold, and the moisture outside during rainy or snowy weather can trigger its growth. Optometrists recommend keeping areas like bathrooms nice and dry and not excessively using humidifiers, which can contribute to mold growth if they’re run too frequently. 

3. Food Allergies

Food allergies can also affect your eyes. During the winter holiday season, people are more likely to eat foods they don’t tolerate well because they’re indulging and don’t want to think about allergies and intolerances. Eye doctors often see patients with itchy, watery eyes in the winter because they have nibbled on items they typically avoid.

West Valley Vision Center in Fairbanks, AK, provides vital eye care services, from routine exams to vision correction and surgery. These optometrists pride themselves on being “large enough serve you and small enough to care!” Let them help you maintain your eye health and choose the perfect pair of glasses for your personal style. Visit the website or call (907) 479-4700 for more information and appointments.