Allergy season can be tough for people who experience seasonal or year-round discomfort. This is magnified for people who wear contact lenses, which can trap allergens and hold them against the eye for extended periods. Here are a few tips for wearing contacts during allergy season and deciding when to call an eye doctor.

How to Wear Contacts During Allergy Season

Contacts worsen allergy symptoms because allergens like dust and pollen stick to them. Contact solution typically does not fully remove this debris, so you can end up applying these allergens directly to your eyes again the next day. If you have significant allergy symptoms, consider switching to contacts that are designed to be thrown away daily to reduce prolonged exposure to allergens.

Allergies tend to cause eye dryness and irritation. When allergens stick to your contact lenses and your contact lenses stick to your dry eyes, you are in for some pretty major discomfort. If you're committed to wearing contacts through allergy season, stock up on lubricating eye drops. In addition to helping ease irritation, these drops can flush out some of the allergens clinging to your contacts and dilute what remains. Avoid astringent drops, as they can dry out your eyes even more.

3. Use Glasses

The best option for your eyes when allergies strike is to give them a break from contact lenses. If you don't feel comfortable wearing glasses to work or school, change into them as soon as you get home. Even a few hours wearing glasses in the evening will help your
eyes recover.

4. Apply a Cold Pack

When your eyes are swollen and irritated, it can be tempting to rub them. However, this only spreads allergens from your hands into your eyes and makes symptoms worse. Instead, keep a jade roller or a wet washcloth in the freezer. Every few hours, apply the cold to your eye area to relieve inflammation. Try chilling your lubricating eye drops in the refrigerator as well.