What All Contact Lens Wearers Should Know During Hay Fever Season

For many, hay fever season brings a mix of sunshine and sneezing, but if you’re a contact lens wearer, it can also mean dry, itchy and red eyes. Pollen can cause your eyes to become irritated, and wearing lenses during this time can exacerbate those uncomfortable symptoms.

By understanding the way pollen affects your eyes, you can navigate hay fever season with much more comfort.

Understanding the Impact of Pollen on Your Eyes and Lenses

Pollen is a tiny particle that can irritate your eyes and lead to the symptoms of hay fever: itching, watering and redness.

When you wear contact lenses, pollen has a higher chance of sticking to the surface of your lenses, making irritation worse. The lenses may trap pollen particles, dust and other allergens, preventing your eyes from naturally rinsing them away. This can make your eyes feel gritty, and the constant rubbing or squinting to alleviate discomfort can damage your corneal surface.

Choosing the Right Contact Lenses for Hay Fever Season

If you wear monthly or daily lenses, you might want to consider switching to a lens that is designed to reduce irritation. Lenses made with materials that attract less moisture or help repel particles can provide a smoother experience.

For example, silicone hydrogel lenses allow more oxygen to reach your cornea, which can reduce dryness and irritation. Additionally, if you tend to wear lenses for extended periods, switching to daily disposable lenses during hay fever season may be beneficial.

You can easily order contact lenses online, and opting for daily disposables will ensure that you’re always putting on fresh, clean lenses, reducing your risk of allergens sticking to them.

Essential Hygiene and Care Practices

During allergy season, hygiene becomes even more critical.

Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling your lenses to avoid transferring allergens like pollen from your hands to your eyes. Ensure that your lens case is cleaned and dried after every use, as allergens can accumulate there too. You should also avoid sleeping in your lenses if you can, as your eyes may already be under enough strain from the allergies.

Make sure to replace your contact lens solution regularly and use one designed to combat protein and allergen build-up. Staying diligent with these practices can keep your eyes and lenses as clean and comfortable as possible.

Managing Symptoms: Eye Drops and Other Relief Measures

Eye drops can offer immediate relief when your eyes start to feel dry and irritated.

Look for drops specifically formulated for allergy sufferers, as they help flush out allergens from your eyes and reduce inflammation. However, avoid using any drops that are designed for contact lens wearers unless they are specifically intended for allergy relief. Some drops may contain preservatives that could damage your lenses or irritate your eyes further.

In addition to drops, you might want to try wearing wraparound sunglasses when going outside as they’ll shield your eyes from pollen and wind, helping to keep the irritation to a minimum.