How to Protect Your Eyes During Allergy Season if You Wear Contacts
Springtime should be a season to enjoy, but for many, it brings an annual struggle with itchy, watery, and irritated eyes. If you wear contact lenses, seasonal allergies can make things even worse. Pollen, dust, and other allergens can stick to your lenses, increasing discomfort and making symptoms more intense.
The good news? With the right approach, you can manage allergy symptoms while continuing to wear your contacts. Here are some essential tips to keep your eyes comfortable throughout allergy season.
1. Keep Your Eyes Moist
One of the easiest ways to relieve irritation is to keep your eyes hydrated. Seasonal allergies often cause dry, scratchy eyes, which can make wearing contacts feel unbearable.
What you can do:
- Use artificial tears or lubricating eye drops specifically designed for contact lens wearers.
- Apply drops before putting in your contacts and throughout the day as needed.
- Choose preservative-free drops, as these are gentler on sensitive eyes.
- Stay hydrated—drinking plenty of water helps keep your eyes naturally moisturized.
Keeping your eyes moist flushes allergens away and reduces irritation, making it easier to wear contacts comfortably.
2. Clean Your Contacts Every Day
During allergy season, your lenses collect more allergens than usual. Regular cleaning is always important, but during spring and summer, it’s even more essential.
How to clean your contacts properly:
- Use a high-quality disinfecting solution (your optometrist may recommend a peroxide-based cleaner for better allergen removal).
- Rinse your contacts thoroughly before and after wearing them.
- Clean your lens case daily and replace it every three months.
- Avoid tap water when handling your lenses—always use contact solution instead.
A clean lens is a comfortable lens, especially when airborne allergens are at their peak.
3. Give Your Eyes a Break—Wear Your Glasses More Often!
One of the best ways to minimize allergy-related discomfort is to reduce contact lens wear whenever possible. Even taking a break for just one day can make a difference.
When to wear glasses instead of contacts:
- On days when pollen counts are especially high.
- When spending time outdoors, where allergens are more concentrated.
- If your eyes feel extra dry or irritated.
Letting your eyes rest from contacts can help reduce inflammation, allowing you to get back to wearing them comfortably.
4. Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes—It Only Makes Things Worse!
We all know the feeling—your eyes start itching, and rubbing them seems like the only solution. However, rubbing your eyes actually makes things worse.
Why you should resist the urge to rub:
- It spreads allergens, making symptoms more intense.
- Rubbing increases inflammation, leading to red, swollen eyes.
- You risk damaging your cornea, especially if you wear contacts.
Instead, try this:
- Use a cool, damp compress over closed eyes to reduce irritation.
- Apply lubricating drops to flush allergens away.
- Take a break from screens if your eyes feel strained.
A little self-control can go a long way in keeping your allergy symptoms manageable.
5. Consider Switching to Daily Disposable Contacts
Many allergy sufferers find that daily disposable lenses offer major relief. Since you throw them away after each use, there’s no time for allergens to build up on the lens surface.
Benefits of daily disposables during allergy season:
- A fresh pair every day means less pollen and debris exposure.
- You don’t have to worry about allergens lingering in your lens case.
- They reduce the risk of eye infections, especially for people with sensitive eyes.
Ask your optometrist if switching to daily lenses could help reduce your allergy symptoms.
6. Visit Your Optometrist for Personalized Advice
If you’ve tried all the above strategies and still struggle with severe allergy symptoms, it might be time to consult an eye doctor.
Your optometrist can:
- Perform tests to rule out other eye conditions that mimic allergies.
- Recommend prescription eye drops that are safe for contact lens wearers.
- Suggest alternative lens options, like silicone hydrogel lenses that retain more moisture.
Allergies affect everyone differently, and a professional evaluation can help you find the best approach for your specific needs.
Find Allergy-Friendly Contact Lens Solutions in Edmonton
Seasonal allergies don’t have to stop you from wearing contacts. With proper eye care, hygiene, and expert guidance, you can enjoy clear, comfortable vision even during peak allergy months.
If you need help managing contact lens discomfort or are considering a switch to daily disposables, visit Optometrists’ Clinic. Our team will help you find the best solution for your vision and lifestyle needs.
Book your eye exam today and enjoy a more comfortable allergy season!
