PROTECT YOUR PEEPERS
Don’t let allergies wreak havoc on your eyes
Spring is synonymous with many things: the winter chill lifting, flowers blooming and allergies. Specsavers optometrist Greeshma Patel explains that it’s the trees and flowers we associate with spring that are responsible for these allergies.
“During spring, the pollen count is much higher, with trees and grasses beginning to release more pollen into the air than during winter months,” she reveals.
“When people inhale the pollen and it goes into the eyes and sinus, it can trigger allergies.
“An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system wrongly identifies a substance as an allergen and produces an over-reaction in response.”
EYE REACTION
Signs of an allergic reaction can include redness, watery eyes, itchiness, swollen eyelids, sore and tired eyes or vision impairment.
Greeshma explains that these allergic reactions happen when the thin membrane that covers our eyeballs, known as the conjunctiva, becomes irritated.
“Just as other parts of your body can break out in an allergic reaction to a certain irritating substance, so too can your eyes,” she says.
“Ocular allergies (also known as allergic conjunctivitis) occur when an allergen causes the conjunctiva to become irritated.
“This is when the conjunctiva overreacts to a substance it comes into contact with.”
COMPLICATIONS
Fortunately, most irritated eyes won’t result in serious complications, rather just mild discomfort, says Greeshma. However, there are things that should be avoided when experiencing any change to your vision.
“More severe reactions can cause changes in your vision that can significantly alter your ability to perform basic tasks, which may become hazardous, such as needing to drive,” she says, adding that serious symptoms shouldn’t be ignored.
“It is crucial if you are having vision loss or significant pain in your eyes even with medication to seek medical attention.”
TREATMENT
Greeshma believes the best form of treatment is prevention.
“For seasonal allergies you may close your windows to reduce the likelihood of pollen and other allergens coming in from outside,” she explains.
It also pays to check the pollen count before you head outside, as well as taking other protective measures.
“Wearing sunglasses can act as a barrier to irritants to the eye, as well as protecting your eyes from UV damage from the sun,” she says.
Anti-allergy eye drops and antihistamines can help soothe irritated eyes.
“You could also use a cold compress to bring some relief. Remember to resist the urge to rub your eyes if you are experiencing irritation,” says Greeshma.
WHEN TO GET HELP
If none of the above has helped, it’s time to get checked out.
“When symptoms are persistent and long-term, you should seek professional advice,” says Greeshma. “If you are experiencing any pain in your eyes or changes in your overall vision, [don’t] delay seeking help.”
From being great pets to providing fresh eggs for your family, having chooks really is all it’s cracked up to be! Ben Braithwaite, inventor and founder of Chickenguard, explains everything you need to know before getting a flock to call your own.
THE BENEFITS
Aside from being great pets and companions, chickens have a multitude of uses when it comes to making your home more eco-friendly. Not only do they aid in reducing waste, they can also keep your garden green and pest-free.
“They can help reduce [your] carbon footprint through localised egg production, and you can cut down on household waste with the food scraps you feed your chooks,” explains Ben. “Chickens are also an invaluable asset to your garden – poultry waste is high in nutrients and great for soil. Chickens [also] act as great pest control by snacking on pesky weeds, parasites and insects.”
CONSIDERATIONS
Before getting chickens, Ben recommends considering these three things:
SPACE Although people who live in cities can keep chickens too, just make sure there’s enough space for a coop and space for your hens to roam. A general rule of thumb is to allow one square metre per bird. Failing to consider the right amount of space could lead to bullying and pecking among your flock.
MAINTENANCE Chickens need TLC! You need to be up for the challenge. Regular maintenance and cleaning of their coop is a must. Chickens also need access to fresh clean water and food.
COUNCIL REGULATIONS Each council has its own set of rules when it comes to keeping chickens – including how many you can keep and the overall structure of your coop – so be sure to check these out. Generally, roosters are mostly prohibited in urban residential areas due to their noise.
CHOOSE YOUR CHICKEN
Chooks are not one size fits all, and your requirements can help inform which chicken is best for you. Here are some of the most common breeds... BUFFORPINGTONS One of the quietest of birds, these are great if you have lots of neighbours!
SULTAN CHICKENS Often kept as indoor pets, these birds do well in small spaces and don’t need a huge amount of time outside.
SPECKLED SUSSEX This breed is known as good starter birds because they have calm personalities.
WELSUMMER If you have plenty of space, Welsummers are a great option. They are known for their great egg production.
RHODE ISLAND RED If you prefer a low maintenance chook that requires little attention, members of this breed are happy to be left to their own devices.
CHALLENGES
Chickens can be carriers of harmful bacteria like salmonella or E. coli, so it’s essential to maintain good personal hygiene when looking after them. Wash your hands before and after handling chooks, and always wear covered shoes.
In addition, your feathered friends can bring unwanted attention from predators and pests such as foxes, snakes or rodents.
“To minimise the number of unwanted visitors, it’s important to collect your eggs daily and make sure your chook food is kept in a proper feeder that gets locked away at the end of the day with the hens,” suggests Ben.
KEEP THEM SAFE
“Chickens are at risk of being prey to domestic pets and feral animals if left unprotected,” says Ben. He advises creating a sturdy coop for your chickens to sleep in, plus secure fencing for added protection. Investing in a Chickenguard will also keep them out of harm’s way. “The Locking Combi Premium ($325, chickenguard.com.au) features a timer and a light sensor, meaning you can program it to open and close at certain times or let it rise and fall with light,” he says.