Contact Lenses for Allergies: Managing Symptoms
Are you one of those people who suffer from allergies every year? Do allergies make your life miserable, especially when you wear contact lenses? If yes, you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll discuss how you can manage your allergy symptoms with the help of contact lenses.
What Causes Allergies?
Before we dive into the topic, let’s first understand what causes allergies. Allergies are the result of our immune system’s response to a foreign substance, such as pollen, dust, pet dander, or certain foods. When our immune system identifies such substances as harmful, it releases histamines, which cause allergy symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, itching, and watery eyes.
How Do Allergies Affect Contact Lens Wearers?
When you wear contact lenses, you’re exposing your eyes to a foreign material that comes into direct contact with your eyes. This exposure can make your eyes more sensitive to allergens, resulting in itching, redness, and watering. Additionally, allergens can get trapped between your contact lens and the surface of your eye, exacerbating your allergies.
How Can Contact Lenses Help With Allergies?
Fortunately, there are contact lenses specifically designed for people with allergies. These lenses are made of materials that repel allergens, preventing them from settling on the surface of the lens.
Some lenses are also designed to reduce friction between the lens and the surface of the eye, reducing the risk of irritation and inflammation. Additionally, some contact lenses are infused with lubricating agents that can help keep your eyes moist and comfortable.
Before using contact lenses for allergy management, it’s important to consult your eye doctor. They can guide you in choosing the right lenses and suggest additional strategies for managing your allergies.
Managing Allergy Symptoms With Contact Lenses
Besides using allergy-specific contact lenses, there are several other ways to manage allergy symptoms when wearing contact lenses. Here are some tips:
1. Keep Your Lens Clean: Clean your lenses every day with a recommended solution to avoid any dirt or bacteria buildup.
2. Avoid Rubbing: Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can cause further irritation and spread allergens.
3. Take Breaks: Give your eyes a break by wearing glasses for a few hours every day to reduce eye strain and irritation.
4. Temperature Control: Try to keep the temperature in your environment under control to avoid any allergic reaction to abrupt temperature changes.
5. Stay Protected: When spending time outdoors, wear sunglasses to block out harmful UV rays and shield your eyes from allergens.
In Conclusion
If you suffer from allergies and wear contact lenses, know that there are ways to manage your symptoms. Consult your eye doctor to learn more about the different types of contact lenses available and other strategies to keep your eyes healthy and comfortable. Remember, managing allergies is a life-long process, so don’t hesitate to seek help when you need it.