Fortunately, you can still get eye allergy relief while wearing contact lenses. Below, we share eight tips for reducing itchiness and redness in your eyes. From switching to dailies to tossing your contact case, these tips are optometrist approved.
Advertisement
How do you deal with dry eyes during allergy season? Let us know in the comments below.
And especially before touching your eyes. Even mild soaps can irritate your eyes so the experts at CopperVision recommend rinsing your hands well before touching your contacts.
Replace Your Case
BananaStock via Getty Images
Contact lens cases should be replaced every 3 months to avoid contamination, say the experts at Clearly Contacts. If you don't normally follow this rule allergy season is the perfect time to start as your contacts pick up dust, dirt and pollen with every wear.
Advertisement
Keep Your Eyes Hydrated
kurga via Getty Images
While over the counter eye drops can be of great help during allergy season*, they only provide temporary relief. Keep a dropper nearby for emergencies, but also consider talking to your doctor about finding a better lens for your needs. *Note, drops should not be used while your contacts are in. Take out your lens before putting in the drop, then wait a few minutes before putting it back in.
Avoid Make Up
Veronique Beranger via Getty Images
Give irritated eyes a break by cutting back on eye makeup during allergy season. If this isn't an option for you, reduce irritation by putting in your contacts before you apply the make up. Also consider switching to an allergy-friendly make up brand.
Cool It On The Rubbing
Squaredpixels via Getty Images
Your first response to itchy eyes might be to rub away the irritation, but that is only going to make it worse. Instead, the experts at Emory Eye Centre recommend calming itchy eyes with a cold compress or splash cold water over your closed eyes to reduce the inflammation.
Advertisement
Switch Back To Glasses
Barry Rosenthal via Getty Images
It's not ideal, but if your allergies are really acting up, it might be best to go back to wearing glasses.
Consult An Optometrist
Ned Frisk via Getty Images
If your eyes are still irritated after trying these tricks consult an optometrist who can help you choose a different type of contact lens or cleaning solution that may reduce eye allergies
Also on HuffPost
11 Things People With Spring Allergies Need To Know
This HuffPost Canada page is maintained as part of an online archive.
If you have questions or concerns,
please check our FAQ or
contact support@huffpost.com.