When the trees bloom and flowers return to Sherwood Park, so do itchy, watery, irritated eyes. For contact lens wearers, spring can be especially frustrating. Allergens like pollen, dust, and mold spores don’t just trigger sneezing—they stick to your lenses, making allergy symptoms worse and vision less clear.
At Aspen Eye Care, we help patients navigate the challenges of wearing contact lenses during allergy season, so they can stay comfortable and continue seeing clearly, all season long.
Why Spring Allergies Make Contact Lenses Uncomfortable
In spring, the air is full of tiny particles like pollen and dust, which can become trapped between your contact lenses and your eyes. This creates a double issue:
- Your eyes react to the allergens
- Your lenses hold those allergens in place longer
The result? Itchy, red, watery, or gritty eyes. Even contact lenses that feel fine in winter may start to feel like sandpaper in April.
Common Symptoms for Contact Wearers During Allergy Season
If you wear contact lenses and experience these symptoms more often in spring, allergies may be the cause:
- Itchy or burning eyes
- Redness or swelling
- Dryness or excessive tearing
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- A feeling that your contacts are “moving” or uncomfortable
Tips to Keep Your Eyes Comfortable This Spring
At Aspen Eye Care, we recommend the following steps to reduce irritation and keep your eyes feeling fresh during allergy season:
1. Switch to Daily Disposable Lenses
Daily lenses are worn once and thrown away—so allergens don’t build up on your lenses over time. This is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce springtime irritation.
2. Clean Your Lenses Properly
If you wear bi-weekly or monthly lenses, clean them thoroughly each night using fresh disinfecting solution (never tap water). This helps remove pollen and protein deposits that can build up during the day.
3. Use Artificial Tears
Lubricating drops help flush allergens out of the eyes and soothe irritation. Make sure you’re using drops that are safe for contact lens wearers, and ask us if you're unsure.
4. Wear Sunglasses Outdoors
Wraparound sunglasses can block pollen, dust, and wind from reaching your eyes—and help protect your lenses from drying out.
5. Limit Outdoor Time During High-Pollen Hours
Pollen levels tend to be highest in the early morning and late afternoon. Check the local pollen forecast and try to avoid outdoor activities during peak hours.
6. Take Breaks from Lenses When Needed
If your eyes feel particularly irritated, it’s okay to give your lenses (and your eyes) a break. Switch to glasses for the day and allow your eyes time to recover.
7. Talk to Us About Allergy-Friendly Eye Drops
Some allergy drops can’t be used with contact lenses. At Aspen Eye Care, we can recommend or prescribe eye drops that relieve allergy symptoms without interfering with your lenses.
See Clearly in Spring with Aspen Eye Care
With the right strategies, spring allergies don’t have to mean uncomfortable eyes or giving up your lenses. If you're experiencing eye irritation or discomfort this season, it may be time to update your lens routine—or your prescription.
Our team at Aspen Eye Care in Sherwood Park is here to help you find the best solution for your eyes, whether that means trying daily disposables, allergy-safe drops, or simply making a few smart changes to your routine.
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