Wearing contact lenses when you have allergies

The Star

08-05-2025

There are certain steps you can take if you want to continue wearing your contact lenses despite having a mild allergic flare-up. — dpa
If you're a hay fever sufferer and your eyes are exposed to pollen, they can become itchy, red and watery.
What happens if you're also a contact lens wearer?
The lenses may no longer fit properly because your eyes' tear film – the aqueous solution they float on – becomes compromised by substances the tear glands secrete in an allergic reaction, explains the KGS, a German group that raises awareness about good vision.
This poorer fit then results in poorer vision.
As a general rule, if pollen produces a strong allergic response in your eyes, it's best to switch to glasses during hay fever season to avoid irritating them further with contact lenses.
In cases with mild symptoms, you can continue to wear them, but you should bear some things in mind.
First of all, not all contacts are equal.
Hard lenses (also known as rigid gas permeable, or RGP, lenses) don't accumulate deposits – including pollen – as easily as soft lenses do, which is an advantage.
If you prefer soft ones though, it's best to wear daily disposable lenses.
Then you start each day with pollen-free contacts.
Should you choose monthly or yearly lenses, it's important to clean them thoroughly.
Peroxide systems are especially effective, and unlike all-in-one solutions, typically don't contain preservatives that some people with allergies may not tolerate.
ALSO READ: What happens if you rinse contact lenses with tap water?
Anti-allergy eye drops can bring relief.
In order to work properly, they shouldn't be used while you're wearing your contacts though, because they could collect in and around the lenses, the KGS says.
Consequently, your eyes don't get – or are delayed in getting – the proper dose of the active ingredient.
To be on the safe side, you should wait at least 15 minutes after administering anti-allergy eye drops – 20 to 30 minutes is better – before putting in your contact lenses.
As for eye drops that are merely moisturising, you can normally administer them while your contacts are in.
If you're out and about with your contacts in and airborne pollen is making your eyes itch, don't rub them no matter how strong the urge is, the KGS says.
This is because rubbing will only irritate them more.
Instead, you should use moisturising eye drops or take out your contacts for a while.
To be prepared for such moments, contact lens wearers with hay fever should not only always have moisturising eye drops with them, but also a pair of up-to-date prescription glasses and a contact lens case pre-filled with cleaning solution. – dpa