Impact of Allergies on Contact Lens Wear

A new survey by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America found that allergy symptoms negatively influence contact lens wear, reports Optician Online.

Of the more than 800 people surveyed, two out of every three said wearing contacts is uncomfortable when they have allergy symptoms such as itchy, red and watery eyes. About 45 percent of the survey respondents reported wearing their contacts less often and 12 percent said they ceased wearing contacts when suffering from eye allergies.

Mike Tringale, the foundation’s director of external affairs, noted that wearing contacts less frequently “creates a wide range of emotions among allergy sufferers.” When contact lens wearers use glasses instead of contacts, 37 percent report feeling less attractive, 29 percent feel less confident and 26 percent say they are less able to perform activities as well than when they are wearing contacts.

According to the Medical Clinics of North America, nearly half of US residents have allergy symptoms, and 75 percent of those symptoms affect the eyes. Allergies can trigger pink eye and other problems. It’s recommended that allergy sufferers speak with their eye doctor about disposable contact lenses and eye drops to help relieve symptoms, which will ultimately help with contact lens comfort.

Tags: Allergies