Seasonal Allergies And Contact Lenses: How To Minimise The Discomfort

Spring is wonderful season, but it can also create a great deal of discomfort for people with seasonal allergies. In many cases, the symptoms include ocular irritation and that can be doubly distressing for contact lens wearers. The current issue of Contact Lens Spectrum features an article by Michael A Ward with specific recommendations for people who wear contact lenses and suffer from eye allergies.

Ward, an ophthalmology instructor at Emory University School of Medicine, started by stressing the importance of rubbing and rinsing contacts thoroughly as soon as they are removed. In this way, wearers will reduce the accumulation of debris and contaminating agents on the lens surfaces.

It is also recommended that patients switch to peroxide disinfection systems, which are free of preservatives, in case of suspected sensitivity to multipurpose solutions. Irritants can be diluted and rinsed out by frequent application of low-viscosity, preservative-free artificial tears. In the case of soft contact lenses, it is also recommended that the replacement period is shortened. A good alternative is single-use lenses since they can be thrown away together with the allergens.

By way of general advice for allergy sufferers, Ward recommended maintaining the humidity in a room of below 50% so as to stunt mold growth. Thanks to air filters and cleaners, it is possible to keep windows shut and still have good air quality as pollen and dust are removed. A face mask is recommended during outdoor exposure, as well as an immediate shower afterwards for the removal of pollen from the hair, skin and clothes.