Living with Ocular Allergies

10 steps you can take to reduce allergens in your home

1. Bed linen care is very important. Wash sheets, pillowcases and blankets in hot water at least once a week.²¹
2. Remove carpeting and use hardwood or linoleum flooring and washable area rugs. If that isn’t an option, use low-pile instead of high-pile carpeting and vacuum weekly. Wash area rugs and floor mats weekly, and shampoo wall-to-wall carpets periodically.²¹
3. Damp-mop wood or linoleum flooring weekly.²¹
4. Use a damp cloth to clean surfaces once a week.²¹
5. Remove items that collect dust, such as tabletop ornaments, books and magazines. Store children’s toys, games and stuffed animals in plastic bins.²¹
6. Use washable curtains made of plain cotton or synthetic fabric.²¹
7. Keep animals out of the bedroom. Bathing pets at least once a week may reduce the amount of allergen in the dander they shed.²¹
8. Avoid cigarette smoke. Smoke causes irritation and makes your allergies worse.²¹
9. If you wear contact lenses, use daily disposable lenses that you can discard after a single use.²²
10. Keep car and home windows closed during peak pollen seasons.³