Contact Lenses & Allergy Season: Tips for Comfortable Wear

If your eyes feel itchy, watery, or irritated during allergy season, you’re not alone. For contact lens wearers, spring and fall can be especially frustrating…but the good news is you don’t have to give up your lenses. With a few simple adjustments, you can stay comfortable and keep your vision clear all season long.
 

Why Contacts Feel Worse During Allergy Season

Allergens like pollen, dust, and pet dander can stick to your contact lenses, making irritation worse throughout the day. This can lead to:

• Itchy, red eyes

• Excess tearing

• Blurry or fluctuating vision

• Dryness or discomfort
   

6 Tips for Comfortable Contact Lens Wear

Switch to Daily Disposable Lenses
Daily lenses are one of the best options during allergy season. Since you use a fresh pair every day, there’s less buildup of allergens and debris.

Keep Your Eyes Hydrated
Dry eyes can make allergy symptoms feel even worse. Use preservative-free artificial tears to keep your eyes comfortable throughout the day.

Don’t Rub Your Eyes
It’s tempting—but rubbing your eyes can make irritation worse and even damage your lenses. Instead, use eye drops or a cold compress for relief.

Stick to a Strict Cleaning Routine
If you wear monthly or bi-weekly lenses, make sure you’re cleaning and storing them properly every night to remove allergens.

Limit Outdoor Exposure (When Possible)
On high pollen days, try to reduce time outdoors—especially in the morning and evening when pollen counts are highest.

Have a Backup Pair of Glasses
Some days your eyes may just need a break. Switching to glasses can help your eyes recover while still seeing clearly.

When to See Us:
If your symptoms are persistent or severe, it’s important to schedule an eye exam. We can recommend:

• Allergy-specific eye drops

• Alternative lens types

• Adjustments to your prescription or wear schedule
   

Schedule your eye exam today and let’s make this your most comfortable allergy season yet.