Seasonal Allergies and Contact Lenses

If you wear contact lenses and suffer from seasonal allergies, you may struggle with itchy, watery eyes. Should you choose clear vision or comfort? Fortunately, with the right approach, you can wear contacts without irritation. In this article, we’ll explore the causes of allergies and how to manage them while wearing contact lenses.

Let’s learn more about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of seasonal allergies so you’ll gain more knowledge on how to deal with it. Knowing more about seasonal allergies may finally let you wear contacts without consequences.

What causes seasonal allergies?

Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, is a common condition that happens in specific seasons. It’s caused by allergens in the air, mostly affecting your eyes, nose, and ears.

Seasonal allergy is the immune system’s response when your body is in contact with airborne allergens. This leads to the release of histamines inside the human body, thus triggering common allergy symptoms such as runny noses, itchy eyes, and sneezing. The most common allergens found in the air are pollens and the sources vary per season.

Fall Allergens

In this season, the major cause of allergies is ragweed. It won’t even matter if it’s near your home or not; its pollen can be carried for miles by strong winds.

Another possible allergen during the fall months is mold. It’s not only found growing in the bathroom and other wet sections indoors; they can also grow on wet grounds.

Meanwhile, some of the plants that release their pollen during this season are plantains, mugworts, and sorrels.

Spring Allergens

Among the four seasons, this is the peak for seasonal allergies. The main culprit is the trees because, in spring, they release their sperm cells in the air to fertilize other plants and reproduce. The seeds are carried out by the wind, which is why allergies commonly happen during breezy days.

Some of the most common allergenic trees are birch, cedar, horse chestnut, and poplar. Pollens’ sources aren’t only from trees; they can also come from grasses and weeds.

Summer Allergens

During this season, trees are done doing their part. So, this time, the grasses and weeds are the most common sources of summertime allergens.

Plants vary from place to place, but some of the most popular are weeds such as Russian thistle, pigweed, and tumbleweed, and grasses like Bermuda, bluegrass, and timothy. Allergens, however, aren’t just from plants. Smog, which is worse during summer, is a possible cause of allergic rhinitis.

Winter Allergens

Most plants are asleep during winter, but that doesn’t mean allergens are on hiatus. Spending more time indoors means that you’re more likely to contact allergens from your own home.

For example, turning on your heater may release dust, dust mites, insect parts, and mold spores which may cause an allergic reaction from your body. In addition, some people are allergic to pet fur, dander, and excrements.

What are the symptoms of seasonal allergies?

Allergic symptoms can begin at any time of the year, depending on what you’re allergic to. Some of the common symptoms include:

• runny nose
• sneezing
• coughing
• watery eyes
• postnasal drip
• itchy sensation on your nose and eyes
• stuffy ears

Meanwhile, some of the severe symptoms include:

• headache
• excessive sweating
• facial pain caused by sinus block
• wheezing
• shortness of breath
• loss of smell and taste

More serious symptoms like tiredness, irritability, insomnia, and fatigue may be experienced by others. Also, some people who have existing food allergies or asthma may experience worse signs when triggered by allergic rhinitis.

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How are seasonal allergies diagnosed and treated?

Seasonal allergies are typically easier to spot compared to other allergies. Having repetitive allergic reactions in a certain season is a clear sign of allergic rhinitis.

Seasonal allergies can often be confused with the common cold due to similar symptoms. However, if your symptoms occur around the same time each year, they are likely due to allergies rather than an infection. To confirm, an allergist can perform a skin prick test or other diagnostic tests.

More importantly, consult an allergist. In addition to allergists, consulting eye doctors can provide valuable insights and treatment options for managing eye-related allergy symptoms. Allergists can identify the type of allergy you have by pricking your skin with different allergens.

Once you’re diagnosed with seasonal allergies, medications such as decongestants and antihistamines will be prescribed to you. In severe cases, however, allergy shots may be prescribed by the doctor.

Meanwhile, there are alternative treatments for those who don’t like to take meds. Examples include spirulina, vitamin C (which contains antihistamine properties), Lactobacillus acidophilus from yogurt, and quercetin.

And, to prevent the recurrence of allergies, the greatest solution is avoidance. Identify the allergens that make you vulnerable and then find ways to avoid them. For instance, pollens are rampant on breezy days, so always check weather forecasts, skip outdoor time, and shut the windows.

Managing Contact Lenses During Allergy Season

Managing contact lenses during allergy season can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can minimize discomfort and prevent eye irritation. One of the most effective strategies is to switch to daily disposable lenses. These lenses are designed to be worn for just one day and then discarded, which helps reduce the buildup of allergens and irritants on the lens surface. This can be a game-changer for many contact lens wearers during allergy season.

Regular cleaning and disinfecting of your contact lenses are also crucial. Opt for a preservative-free solution to clean and disinfect your lenses, ensuring they are thoroughly rinsed before reinserting them. This helps to remove any lingering allergens and keeps your lenses as clean as possible.

Additionally, using eye drops can provide much-needed relief. Look for preservative-free eye drops specifically designed for contact lens wearers. These drops can help lubricate and soothe your eyes, reducing the risk of eye irritation. By following these tips, you can manage your contact lenses more effectively during allergy season and enjoy clearer, more comfortable vision.

Preventing Allergen Exposure

Preventing allergen exposure is a key part of managing contact lenses during allergy season. One simple yet effective way to do this is to avoid touching your eyes or face while wearing contact lenses. This can help prevent the transfer of allergens and irritants to your eyes, which can exacerbate eye irritation and discomfort.

Keeping your living spaces clean and allergen-free is also important. Use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture in the air, which can help prevent the growth of mold and mildew. Additionally, using hypoallergenic bedding covers and washing your pillowcases and sheets regularly can significantly reduce the amount of allergens in your home.

When you’re outside, take steps to protect your eyes from allergens. Wearing sunglasses with UV protection can help block out pollen and other airborne irritants. Also, avoid rubbing your eyes or face while wearing contact lenses, as this can transfer allergens directly to your eyes. By following these preventive measures, you can reduce allergen exposure and minimize the risk of eye irritation and discomfort during allergy season.

Can you wear contact lenses if you have seasonal allergies?

Definitely! However, you need to follow some of these tips:

• Wear spectacles most of the time. Using eyeglasses are the best alternative to wearing contact lenses. Even the best contacts can still catch airborne pollens and spores, which only prolongs irritation.
• Shift to disposables. If you can’t switch to eyeglasses, this is the next best alternative. Using daily disposable contact lenses may prevent dry eyes and reduce the possibility of allergens sticking on the surface. But, before you do that, ask an eye doctor first just to be safe. Discussing various contact lens options with your eye doctor can help you find the best solution for managing allergies.
• Maintain moisture in your eyes. Allergens can cause dry eye syndrome. Use eye drops frequently to keep your eyes moist and wash off the irritants. Using artificial tears can help keep your eyes moist and wash away allergens.
• Regularly clean your contacts. Regularly clean your contacts with preservative free solutions to remove allergens and reduce irritation.
• Apply a cold compress. Do not rub itchy, swollen eyes! Rubbing will worsen the inflammation in the eyes and spread the allergens. Use a cold compress to relieve eye discomfort.

Conclusion

Seasonal allergies have a lot of causes. You can’t possibly put everything on just one brief list. That’s why you need to pay attention to different factors per season. Once you experience some symptoms, don’t hesitate to consult a specialist so you don’t have to struggle. This will also make it easier for you to wear contact lenses. That’s right; you may use contacts even if you have seasonal allergies as long as you follow the necessary precautions and choose the right type of lenses.

Where to Buy Daily Disposable Contact Lenses

Since daily disposables are best for people with seasonal allergies, Contact Lenses 4 Us include products like the Proclear 1 Day, Biomedics 1 Day Extra, and Acuvue 1-Day Define Natural Shimmer. Order now without presenting a single prescription. We ship globally.