Contact Lenses and Allergies – What You Need to Know 

If you suffer from allergies, you know that the spring and summer months can be a nightmare. But did you know that wearing contact lenses can make your allergies feel worse on your eyes?

Common Signs & Symptoms of Allergy-Related Contact Lens Irritation  

Allergy-related contact lens irritation can manifest in a variety of ways, but some common symptoms include redness and swelling in the eyes, itching and burning around the eyes or on the eyelids, light sensitivity, blurred vision, or halos around lights, and lots of eye-watering. If you experience any of these symptoms while wearing contacts, consider taking them out immediately.  

Contacts with Allergies  

Even though allergy symptoms may worsen when wearing contacts, don’t despair! There are things you can do to manage your symptoms. One essential tip is to keep up with your eyecare hygiene routine. This means thoroughly cleaning and storing your lenses each day before putting them back in your eyes. Additionally, use an allergen-free lubricating eye drop several times each day to keep your eyes moistened and cleanse off any allergens that may have accumulated on the lenses throughout the day.  Also, consider switching up your contacts regimen altogether by using daily disposable lenses instead of extended-wear lenses or overnight-wear ones. This will allow less time for allergens such as pollen or dust mites to accumulate on the lenses while they’re inside your eyes.

How to Relieve Itchy Eyes with Contacts

Talk to your eye doctor about switching to hypoallergenic contacts which are more resistant to protein deposits that may cause irritation during allergy season or consider a vision correction procedure such as LASIK eye surgery. There are also prescription eyedrops your doctor may prescribe for allergy symptoms.

The Benefits of LASIK for Allergy Sufferers 

Allergies can be incredibly irritating and uncomfortable. If you suffer from allergies, you may feel like you have tried every solution under the sun without finding any relief. Have you considered LASIK? Although it is more commonly associated with vision correction, LASIK can also provide relief from allergies. Let’s take a closer look at how this works. 

How Does LASIK Help Allergies? 

LASIK stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, and it is a popular vision correction surgery that uses lasers to reshape the cornea in order to improve vision. But did you know that it can also help reduce allergy symptoms? This is because the laser used during the procedure can also help reduce inflammation in the eyes caused by allergens that get stuck under contact lenses.

If you suffer from allergies and have been unable to find relief through traditional treatments such as antihistamines or nasal sprays, then consider exploring whether vision correction could be right for you. LASIK, PRK, EVO ICL, and RLE can help reduce allergy symptoms and improve the overall health of the eyes. These procedures can improve dry eye symptoms by reducing the need for contact lenses, which can irritate the eyes and exacerbate dryness.  

If you’re considering vision correction surgery, it’s important to consult with an experienced doctor to determine which procedure is right for you. With the right treatment, you can enjoy clear vision and relief from spring allergies.

These procedures have been proven safe and effective in providing relief from allergy-related eye inflammation and discomfort while also providing vision correction benefits at the same time! 

Be sure to talk to one of our doctors about not only the benefits of vision correction but also any risks of vision correction that may pertain to your individual needs and circumstances.