3 Tips for Contact Lens Wearers with Seasonal Allergies

In the opening of T.S. Eliot’s iconic poem, The Waste Land, the author writes, “April is the cruellest month,” a line that carries a bevy of complex meanings. But is April not primetime for the most aesthetically-pleasing season of the year? Comfortable weather, blooming plants, and green grass are always a welcome sight after harsh winters—but what if those very things are also robbing you of your vision? For the millions of Americans who suffer from seasonal allergies, the reverie of spring is a harsh reality. Puffy, itchy, red eyes can make this time of the year a miserable, teary mess. For contact lens wearers, especially, the pain can be brutally intense. Keeping these tips in mind, however, may bring about some relief:

Honestly, this advice is applicable year-round—not just during allergy season. Always change out the solution in your contact case, use solutions that don’t further irritate your eyes, and if your lenses are disposable, replace them often. Neglecting to clean your contacts will just allow the allergens on the lenses to keep on bothering you when you put them back into your eyes. Cleaning your lenses every day, in the long run, will do your eyes a world of good.

The temptation will be great: when the pollen levels rise, your eyes will be dry, red, and begging for your scratch to alleviate the suffering. Don’t give in; resist the urge. When you rub your eyes, the inflammation is prone to get worse because the physical motion of rubbing will spread the allergens around. There are safer ways to combat the discomfort: For example, you can try using artificial tears. Artificial tears are somewhat inexpensive and available in most pharmacies. The idea of wetting your eyes with fake tears may initially sound bizarre, but they are a great resource for keeping your dry, irritated eyes moist. Additionally, placing cool compresses over your eyes will also bring some relief.

Over-the-counter allergy meds work well for some people and are completely ineffective for others. Your safest bet, though, is not to experiment with different pills and sprays. Rather, you should make an appointment to see an optometrist who can give a professional opinion about which medical products may best work for you. The health of your eyes is not something to ignore, and speaking to a medical professional, even about non-allergy-related eye concerns is always a prudent idea.

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, make the vow this year to suffer less. Take preventative measures to protect your eyes and remain in comfort to view the flora and fauna that are springing into life around you. Check out the EyeCare 20/20 blog for more information about seasonal allergies.