70%: that is the percentage of the Swiss population that reacts to grasses. It is a figure that cannot be ignored when spring arrives! The return of good weather also means the return of allergies.
Sneezing, runny or itchy nose, headaches... the symptoms of hay fever can sometimes be difficult to live with on a daily basis. But there is another area that can be particularly uncomfortable with pollen allergies: your eyes! Between the itching, irritation and discharge, your eyes are the front line when it comes to pollen. And if you wear contact lenses, this minor discomfort can quickly turn into major discomfort!
So if you suffer from spring allergies and are wondering whether you can continue to wear your contact lenses, this article is for you!
Allergies and contact lenses: can they live together?
That is the big question! Do you really have to stop wearing contact lenses during the pollen season? The answer is simple: unless your optician advises otherwise, it is perfectly possible to continue wearing contact lenses if you suffer from allergies!
All you have to do is follow a few good practices and make the right gestures. And because we at Linsenmax want to help you make your contact lens experience as comfortable as possible, we have put together a little guide with our top tips at the end of this article!
Our top tips for managing contact lens allergies
Tip 1: Proper cleaning is key!
First of all, make sure your hands, hair and bedding are as clean as possible. Pollen settles everywhere and continues to get into your eyes. That is why daily cleaning is a must!
The same goes for your contact lenses: if you wear monthly or bi-weekly lenses, clean them thoroughly every day with a special eye solution to remove any pollen deposits
Tip 2: Do not rub to avoid irritation!
When pollen is around, it is best to keep your hands in your pockets! Although we often have an irresistible urge to rub our eyes to relieve the itching or stinging, this only makes the situation worse: not only do you risk getting dirt and more pollen into your eyes, but you also risk damaging your lenses.
Tip 3: Daily disposables, your springtime allies!
You may be a fan of monthly or bi-weekly lenses, and we understand! But during allergy season,daily lenses can be a real ally. The big advantage? At the end of the day, all you have to do is throw them away: there is no need to clean them and you will avoid any allergen deposits on your lenses!
Tip 4: Well-protected eyes mean less discomfort!
There is no better way to combat the effects of allergies than with a pair of sunglasses! Not only do they protect you from the light that can make your eyes more sensitive, but they also act as a barrier against pollen. The only caveat: like everything else, make sure you clean them every day!
Tip 5: The right products are your friends!
Finally, there are a number of products that can help alleviate the discomfort of allergies: here is a short list to help you put together your ideal spring kit!
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To thoroughly clean your lenses, opt for a peroxide-based solution: cleanliness and disinfection are guaranteed!
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To soothe irritated eyes, use anall-in-one lubricating eye drop: you will feel better in no time!
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To clean your eyelashes and eyelids, use the sterile, pre-moistened wipes Systane Lid Wipes: say goodbye to pollen in your eyes!
Now that you know that you can continue to wear your contact lenses during the allergy season, you are ready to enjoy the joys of spring in complete freedom. But if, despite these best practices, you are still experiencing too much discomfort, do not hesitate to consult your optician and wear your glasses!