Allergies Archives

What Is Contact Lens Allergy? Your Complete Guide

Written By Michael Healy

Since being introduced in 1994, daily disposable contact lenses have revolutionized vision correction by offering convenience and flexibility to over 45% of the 40 million contact users in the United States. However, for some, discomfort and eye irritation have raised concerns about the potential of having a contact lens allergy.

Allergic reactions to contact lenses can show up in various ways, impacting comfort, vision, and overall eye health. If you wear daily disposable contact lenses and have noticed ongoing eye discomfort or irritation characterized by dry eye, itching, or increased watering of the eyes, you might wonder if you are allergic to your contact lenses.

This post takes a detailed look at what contact lens allergies are, explores their symptoms, potential causes, and diagnosis, and shares strategies to help manage discomfort stemming from a contact lens allergy.

Allergies and Contacts: Our Top Tips for Managing Allergy Season

Written By Michael Healy

Most people consider spring to be when allergy season strikes. Tree pollen hits hardest come early spring, but is then followed by grass pollen in the late spring, weed pollen in the summer, and ragweed pollen in the late summer and deep into fall. And, according to Purvi Parikh, MD, an allergist and immunologist with Allergy & Asthma Network, it’s always allergy season because, in addition to lengthy pollen seasons, year-round offenders include dust mites, mold, and pet dander. Allergies are especially hard on contact lens wearers. Allergies and contacts can be a tricky mix.

It’s bad enough that you wake up and your eyes feel gritty, swollen, and itchy. Then you have to put in your contact lenses. Ouch.

According to the American Optometric Association, there are approximately 45 million contact lenses wearers in the United States. Many cease wearing contact lenses due to seasonal allergies. Some stop only temporarily, while others throw in the towel and give up on wearing contacts.

But you don’t have to. Understanding the symptoms and treatment options available can bring relief and help you weather allergies and contacts issues.

Allergic To Your Eyeglasses? It Happens.

Written By Michael Healy

Although not common, it’s possible to have an allergic reaction to your prescription eyewear.

The reaction’s bound to be caused by one of the various materials used to manufacture and coat the lenses, frames, and nose pads. The result can range from a mild skin irritation to oozing, blister-like sores around the eyes.