Contact lens wearers are increasingly prone to eye allergies. The symptoms of contact lens allergy include eye pain, redness, irritation, itching and difficulty in wearing contact lens. Contact lens allergy affects about 75% of the contact lens wearers. This allergy is caused due to the following reasons:
- Allergy to Protein Deposits
- Allergy to Preservatives used in contact lens Solution
- Allergy to Contact Lens
Allergy to Protein Deposits:
During the allergy season, when the pollen count is high, the contact lens can act as a sponge absorbing pollen, dust, other allergens. When these allergens stick to the lens, it can cause eye irrititaion, redness, and itching. To avoid allergy to protein deposits, you can:
- Use disposable contact lenses as they are do not accumulate deposits
- Use artificial tears to minimize the eye irritation
- Clean the contact lens more often using a preservative-free cleaning solution
- Switch to spectacles temporarily
Allergy to Contact Lens Solution:
Allergy to contact lens solution is usually caused due to the preservatives present in the solution. If you find yourself allergic to the solution, go for a preservative-free contact lens solution. Another option is to buy a contact lens solution labeled as “for sensitive eyes”, which is preservative free and is suitable for those with eye allergies.
Allergy to Contact Lens:
Though rare, few people develop allergies due to the material used in the contact lens. If your contact lens cause allergies, you can try a different brand of contact lens or go for rigid contact lens.
To minimze the eye redness, itching, it is advised to use cool compresses for relief. If your contact eye allergies are persistent, consult your eye doctor who can determine the cause and give you proper treatment.
