By Troy Bedinghaus, O.D., About.com
Many contact lens wearers with allergies seem to encounter discomfort during certain times of the year. This discomfort is due largely to allergens in the air that become adhered to contact lenses. The allergens seem to cause miserable symptoms such as itchy, watery and swollen eyes. Here are five tips to help you through the periods of discomfort.
1. Wear eyeglasses when possible.
Allergens such as pollen and dust often adhere to the thin surfaces of contacts. Switching to glasses will help you avoid an allergy attack.
3. Keep your eyes moist.
Allergens tend to cause dry eyes. Keep irritated eyes moist with artificial tears. The artificial tears will also wash the irritants out of your eyes.
4. Use cool compresses on your eyes.
When your eyes are red and swollen, resist the urge to rub them. Rubbing will make the inflammation worse by spreading around the allergens. A cool, damp compress will help relieve discomfort.
5. See your eye doctor.
Your eye doctor will recommend medical products for your particular symptoms. Some products may even help prevent allergy attacks. You should also see your eye doctor to rule out possible poblems that may not be allergy-related.