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A
vision correction association has issued a list of common allergy remedies for the wearers of contact lenses.
The Minnesota Optometric Association (MOA) published its allergy guidelines ahead of spring, which brings with it a sharp rise in pollen counts.
According to the MOA, the culprits of common spring-time allergies occur both indoors and out, and contact lens wearers need to take extra care to avoid itchy eyes.
Top of the
vision correction body's list was shortening the amount of time contact lenses are worn for.
"Eye allergies, also known as allergic conjunctivitis, can actually be exacerbated by lengthy contact lens use," the organisation claimed.
It also warned against the wholesale use of antihistamines to combat the symptoms of allergic reactions. The MOA claimed that while antihistamines can help with typical symptoms such as runny noses and sneezing, "the medication can make ocular symptoms worse by reducing tear quality and quantity".
Dr Stan Andrist, president of the MOA, said: "Eye allergies can affect anyone and can be particularly hard on contact lens wearers
"Extended wear time and infrequent lens replacement are two of the main reasons contact lens wearers face more prevalent symptoms."
Dr Andrist claimed that reducing wear time, getting advice on contact lens cleaning from a qualified optometrist and using prescribed eye drop remedies can all alleviate symptoms.
He also suggested that contact lens wearers avoid rubbing their eyes, regularly wash their hands and reduce their use of eye makeup.
An alternative
vision correction treatment is the use of i-GO's specially-designed Ortho K corrective overnight contact lenses.
These do away with the need for daily contact lenses during the day, which can exacerbate allergy problems, as they gently reshape a wearer's eye while they sleep, correcting their vision.
They also have none of the permanent side effects associated with
corrective laser surgery.
