Eye allergy, also known as “allergic conjunctivitis”, is a consequence of somatic disturbances of the immune system.
This is a reaction to indoor/outdoor allergens (such as pollen, mould, house dust mites or animal dander) that enter the eye and cause inflammation of the conjunctival tissue inside the eyelid and partially covering the eyeball. The conjunctiva also helps keep your eyes moist. Allergies are becoming a growing global problem, leading to:
- Atmospheric pollution: tobacco, ozone depletion and NO2.
- Local pollution.
- Increasing numbers of domestic animals.
- More home-grown crops.
EYE ALLERGIES ARE NOT CONTAGIOUS
Other substances called irritants (such as dirt or smoke, chlorine and others) and even viruses and bacteria can combine to aggravate eye allergies or cause irritation symptoms similar to eye allergies, even in people who are not allergic in general. The eyes are the most vulnerable to allergens and triggers because, like the skin, they are open and sensitive. Certain medicines and cosmetics can also cause eye allergies. In response to allergens and pathogens, the body releases chemical derivatives called histamines which cause inflammation.
SIGNS OF EYE ALLERGY
The main symptoms of eye allergy are the result of inflammation: redness, itching, burning, tearing, swelling of the eyes, and a sandy feeling in the eyes. These symptoms may be accompanied by runny or stuffy nose, sneezing or coughing, headache. Many experience temporary visual impairment. Allergic people feel confused, unproductive or tired.
HOW ARE EYE ALLERGIES TREATED?
The best protection against allergic conjunctivitis is to avoid contact with allergy triggers in the first place. To protect yourself from potential allergens, wash your eyes thoroughly and use artificial tears. When prevention alone is not enough, it is worth considering over-the-counter products or undergoing prescribed treatment. After the allergen has been eliminated or after allergy treatment, eye allergy symptoms may disappear completely. Check with your pharmacist or doctor what works best for you.
Tips to avoid eye allergies:
- Do not touch or rub your eyes.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
- Wash bed linen in hot water with disinfectants to reduce allergens.
- Avoid using cosmetics.
- Do not lend cosmetic products.
- Never use another person’s contact lenses.
- Wear sunglasses when outdoors.
ALLERGY SEASON
Eye allergies are not only common in spring and summer, as the allergy season lasts 8-10 months of the year. Many patients may experience symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis all year round.
EYE ALLERGIES AND CONTACT LENSES
Eye allergies can cause specific problems for contact lens wearers. During the peak season, which starts in spring, people prefer to wear contact lenses when spending time outdoors, exercising, socialising. During the allergy season, many regular contact lens wearers start wearing glasses again because of the discomfort. But many others use the strategy of wearing daily disposable contact lenses comfortably and easily. For allergy sufferers who think they cannot wear contact lenses, the interesting fact is that many of them actually can.
SMART STRATEGIES FOR CONTACT LENS WEARERS
There are some tips recommended by eye care professionals and experienced contact lens wearers:
- Use disposable contact lenses.
- Limit wearing time.
- Create a personal ‘wearing schedule’ during allergy season, where you only wear your contact lenses at certain times, for example, only when you are playing sports or meeting friends or family members.
- If you wear daily disposable lenses that are replaced every two to four weeks, consult your eye care professional to find out which contact lens solution is best for you.
- Use eye drops prescribed by an eye care professional.
With good contact lens care, wearers can continue wearing their contact lenses
DISPOSABLE LENSES: THE HEALTHIEST CHOICE FOR MANY PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM EYE ALLERGIES
It has been shown that daily disposable lenses can be the healthiest option for all contact lens wearers and are a great way to combat allergy symptoms in contact lens sufferers.
In addition to reducing the amount of irritating allergens on the lens surface, disposable contact lenses (used for one day only and discarded at the end of the day) also eliminate the effects of disinfectants and preservatives in contact lens care solutions, which can cause allergic reactions in some wearers. Also, wearing daily disposable contact lenses takes less time and is more convenient than re-wearing lenses because you don’t have to clean them daily. You simply throw them away in the evening and put on a fresh new pair every day.
Three years of clinical studies have shown that, when comparing daily disposable contact lenses with regular daily disposable lenses, daily disposable lens wearers are less likely to suffer from redness symptoms, impaired vision or a gritty feeling in the eye. At the same time, they reported that they feel and see better in general, as wearing daily disposable lenses results in less plaque on the contact lens surface, fewer complications and fewer unscheduled visits to the eye care professional.
Try different ACUVUE name daily disposable contact lenses. Talk to your eye care professional about which contact lenses best suit your needs and lifestyle.
If you suffer from eye allergies, it doesn’t mean you have to give up your contact lenses altogether. Talk to your eye care professional to find out which lenses and wearing regimen are best for you, so that you can enjoy wearing contact lenses without compromise, even during allergy season.
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