Allergic conjunctivitis (AC) is a common inflammatory condition where an allergic reaction causes the clear membrane covering the white of the eye and the inner eyelid to become irritated. Symptoms commonly include intense itching, redness, a burning sensation, and watery discharge. For contact lens wearers, AC is a significant concern and a frequent reason for discontinuing lens wear. This guide addresses the safety of wearing contact lenses during a flare-up and provides practical strategies for managing lens use during allergy season.
Immediate Risks of Wearing Contacts During a Flare
Wearing contact lenses while experiencing an active allergic flare-up should be strictly avoided until symptoms completely subside. An inflamed eye is a compromised environment, and the presence of a lens can intensify irritation, leading to discomfort and potential complications. Intense itching often leads to rubbing, which can cause the lens to scrape against the irritated corneal surface, potentially resulting in corneal abrasions or sight-threatening corneal ulcers. Furthermore, excessive tearing and discharge can contaminate the lens, leading to a secondary bacterial infection. Immediately remove contact lenses and revert to wearing glasses until all signs of redness, itching, and swelling have fully resolved.
How Contact Lenses Interact With Allergens
Contact lenses can inadvertently act as sponges for airborne irritants. Their porous material readily absorbs and retains microscopic allergens like pollen, dust, and pet dander. Once trapped on or within the lens matrix, these irritants are held in direct, prolonged contact with the sensitive ocular surface. The lens also absorbs inflammatory mediators, such as histamine, which the immune system releases in response to the allergen. This trapping mechanism intensifies the allergic response, which is why many contact lens wearers experience more severe or longer-lasting symptoms compared to those who only wear glasses.
Managing Contact Lens Use During Allergy Season
Once the acute flare-up has passed, several non-medical adjustments to routine are advised for continued lens wear. Switching to a daily disposable lens is the most effective strategy for managing AC symptoms, as a fresh, sterile pair is used and discarded daily, eliminating overnight allergen accumulation. For reusable lenses, hygiene is paramount to minimize allergen buildup, including performing a rub-and-rinse cleaning technique with fresh solution every time the lenses are removed. It is also beneficial to significantly reduce the overall wearing time, such as limiting use to only a few hours per day, to minimize continuous allergen exposure. The use of preservative-free rewetting drops or artificial tears is highly recommended to help flush out deposited allergens and provide lubrication while the lenses are in the eyes. Before resuming any lens wear, especially if symptoms were severe, consultation with an eye care professional is necessary to confirm the ocular surface has fully healed.
Medical Treatment for Allergic Conjunctivitis
To safely maintain contact lens wear, the underlying allergic inflammation often requires specific medical intervention. The most commonly prescribed treatment for ocular allergies is a topical drop that combines an antihistamine with a mast cell stabilizer.
The mast cell stabilizer component works to prevent the release of histamine and other inflammatory chemicals from immune cells. The antihistamine concurrently blocks the receptors that histamine binds to, providing rapid relief from the uncomfortable symptoms, particularly itching.
For severe, unremitting cases, an eye care provider may briefly prescribe a topical corticosteroid drop to rapidly suppress the intense inflammation. Certain oral antihistamines, while treating systemic allergies, can cause significant tear film dryness, which can exacerbate contact lens discomfort and should be discussed with a doctor.
Many medicated eye drops are not formulated to be used while contact lenses are in the eye, as the lens material can absorb the medication or its preservatives. An eye care professional will provide a specific dosing schedule and confirm which drops are safe to use with contact lenses, often requiring the lenses to be removed for a period after instillation. Treating the allergy itself is the most reliable way to allow for comfortable and continued contact lens use.