Many allergens are in the air, where they come in contact with your eyes and nose. Airborne allergens include pollen, mold, dust and pet dander. Other causes of allergies, such as certain foods or bee stings, do not typically affect the eyes the way airborne allergens do.

 

Airborne allergens can get on your contacts, causing discomfort. Allergens can also stimulate the excessive production of natural substances in your eyes, which bind to your contacts and also become uncomfortable.

 

Ask a TSO Doctor of Optometry about eye drops that can help relieve your symptoms and keep your contact lenses clean. Certain drops can discolor or damage certain types of contacts, so it makes sense to ask first before trying out a new brand.

 

Another alternative is daily disposable contact lenses, which are discarded nightly and replaced in the morning with a new pair. Because you replace them so frequently, irritating deposits cannot build up over time and cause or heighten allergy-related discomfort.

 

Many TSO Doctors of Optometry and contact lens wearers feel that daily disposable contacts offer the best of both worlds. It's convenient because there is no lens cleaning at all. It's healthy because there is no day-to-day lens deposit buildup and because there is no increased risk of eye problems due to sleeping in contacts. If you are a contact lens wearer and suffer from allergy symptoms, ask a TSO Doctor of Optometry for help. He or she is likely to have the right solution for you.