Spring and summer bring beautiful weather, and along with that comes a surge in pollen and other allergens that can wreak havoc on your eyes. For contact lens wearers, managing allergy symptoms can be particularly challenging. However, there are several steps you can take to manage and alleviate discomfort and continue enjoying clear vision. Here’s how you can manage allergy symptoms effectively while wearing contacts, with expert insights from Precision Eye Doctors.
Common Allergy Symptoms for Contact Lens Wearers
Allergy symptoms can be especially bothersome for contact lens wearers. Common symptoms include:
- Redness and irritation
- Itching and burning sensations
- Excessive tearing
- Blurry vision
- A feeling of something in the eye
These symptoms are often exacerbated by allergens such as pollen, dust, and pet dander, which can cling to contact lenses and cause additional irritation.
Enjoy Your Summer with These Simple Steps
- Daily Disposable Contacts: One of the most effective ways to reduce allergy symptoms is to switch to daily disposable contact lenses. These lenses are discarded after each use, preventing the buildup of allergens and debris that can occur with reusable lenses.
- Proper Lens Hygiene: Maintaining good hygiene is crucial. It’s vital that you wash your hands before handling your lenses and use fresh contact lens solution to clean and store your lenses. Do not use water or saliva to clean your lenses, as these can introduce bacteria and aggravate allergy symptoms.
- Eye Drops: Over-the-counter antihistamine eye drops can provide relief from itching and redness. Make sure to use drops that are compatible with contact lenses. Prescription eye drops may also be an option, and you can rely on our eye doctors to help you choose the best eye drop brand and type for you.
- Limit Allergen Exposure: Try to minimize your exposure to allergens by keeping windows closed during high pollen days, using air purifiers, and regularly cleaning your home to reduce dust and pet dander.
- Wear Glasses: On days when allergy symptoms are particularly severe, consider giving your eyes a break by wearing glasses instead of contact lenses. This can help reduce irritation and give your eyes a chance to recover.
- Hydration and Lubrication: Staying hydrated and using lubricating eye drops can help keep your eyes moist and flush out allergens. Dry eyes can often exacerbate allergy symptoms, so it’s important to keep them well-lubricated.
- Consult Your Eye Doctor: If your symptoms don’t seem to improve, we recommend reaching out to us to request an appointment on 509-591-9277 for a booking in Kennewick or 509-972-5379 for appointments in Yakima. We can provide personalized advice and treatment options to help manage your allergy symptoms effectively.
Expert Allergy Relief at Precision Eye Doctors
At Precision Eye Doctors, we are dedicated to helping you achieve optimal eye health and comfort. Our team can provide expert guidance on managing allergy symptoms and recommend the best contact lens solutions for your needs. Whether it’s switching to daily disposables or finding the right eye drops, we are here to help you find relief.
Don’t let allergy symptoms keep you from enjoying clear, comfortable vision. Visit us at your nearest practice in Kennewick or Yakima.