Colored Contacts and Allergies: What to Know

When you experience eye allergies, wearing colored contacts can sometimes exacerbate symptoms, but with the right knowledge and habits, many individuals can comfortably continue to wear their lenses. Understanding the common causes of contacts allergies and how to manage them is key to maintaining both clear vision and eye comfort, ensuring your beautiful new look doesn't come at the cost of discomfort. For more on this, see our guide to 5 Signs Your Colored Contacts Don't Fit Right.

Understanding Eye Allergies and Contacts

Eye allergies, medically known as allergic conjunctivitis, occur when your eyes react to otherwise harmless substances called allergens. Common culprits include pollen (from trees, grasses, and weeds), dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, and even certain ingredients in cosmetics or contact lens solutions. When these allergens come into contact with your eyes, your immune system overreacts, releasing histamine and other chemicals that cause inflammation and irritation.

For contact lens wearers, the situation can become more complex. Your contact lenses, whether clear or colored, can act as a magnet for these microscopic allergens, trapping them directly against the sensitive surface of your eye. Additionally, proteins, lipids, and other substances naturally found in your tears can build up on the lens surface over time, and these deposits can themselves become irritating or even allergenic. This combination can intensify typical allergy symptoms, making your eyes feel significantly worse than if you weren't wearing lenses at all. If you're weighing options, our roundup of Are Colored Contacts Safe to Wear is a good next read.

Common Symptoms of Contacts Allergies

Recognizing the symptoms of contacts allergies is the first step toward effective management. While symptoms can vary in intensity, they often include: You might also like our take on Are Halloween Contacts Safe to Wear.

• Itching: This is often the most prominent and bothersome symptom, sometimes described as an intense urge to rub your eyes.
• Redness: The whites of your eyes (sclera) may appear visibly red or bloodshot due to dilated blood vessels.
• Watery Eyes: Excessive tearing is common as your eyes try to flush out the irritants.
• Burning Sensation: A feeling of grittiness or burning, similar to having sand in your eyes.
• Swelling: Eyelids, particularly the upper ones, may become puffy or swollen.
• Foreign Body Sensation: A feeling that something is constantly in your eye, even when your lens is properly inserted.
• Mild Blurry Vision: Due to excessive tearing or mucus discharge.
• Light Sensitivity: You might find bright lights uncomfortable.

Allergy vs. Irritation vs. Infection: Knowing the Difference

It's important to distinguish between allergic reactions, general irritation, and a more serious eye infection, as the management strategies differ significantly. While some symptoms overlap, key indicators can help you tell them apart: We break this down further in Do Colored Contacts Damage Your Eyes.

If you suspect an infection, remove your lenses immediately and contact your eye care professional without delay.

Smart Strategies for Wearing Colored Contacts with Allergies

Managing contacts allergies effectively involves a multi-pronged approach, combining diligent hygiene with smart lens choices and lifestyle adjustments. It pairs well with what we cover in FDA Rules on Colored Contact Lenses Explained.

1. Prioritize Hygiene: This is non-negotiable for all contact lens wearers, but especially for those with allergies.
   • Wash Your Hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry them with a lint-free towel before handling your lenses.
   • Clean Lens Case: If you wear reusable lenses, clean your lens case daily with fresh solution (never water!) and replace it every one to three months.
   • Follow Solution Instructions: Use fresh contact lens solution every time you clean and store your lenses. Never "top off" old solution.
2. Consider Daily Disposable Lenses: For many allergy sufferers, daily disposable colored contacts are a game-changer. Since you discard them after each use, there's no opportunity for allergens or protein deposits to build up on the lens surface. This means a fresh, clean, sterile lens every single day, significantly reducing the risk of irritation and allergic reactions. MyEyeColors offers a wide selection of stunning daily disposable colored contacts.
3. Choose the Right Lens Care Solution: If you use reusable lenses, opt for a preservative-free or hydrogen peroxide-based cleaning system. These are often gentler on sensitive eyes and can reduce irritation caused by chemical sensitivities. Always follow your eye doctor's recommendation.
4. Use Preservative-Free Lubricating Eye Drops: Over-the-counter lubricating drops can help flush out allergens and keep your eyes moist, but make sure they are specifically labeled "preservative-free" and safe for use with contact lenses. Preservatives can sometimes exacerbate irritation in allergic eyes.
5. Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes: As tempting as it may be, rubbing your itchy eyes can release more histamines, worsening your symptoms and potentially damaging your cornea or dislodging your lens.
6. Manage Your Environment: Reduce allergen exposure in your home by using HEPA filters, vacuuming regularly, and keeping windows closed during high pollen seasons. Shower before bed to wash off pollen from your hair and skin.
7. Consult Your Eye Doctor: Your eye care professional can prescribe stronger allergy eye drops (antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, or corticosteroids) that are more effective than over-the-counter options. They can also provide guidance on the best lens type and care routine for your specific allergy profile.

When to Temporarily Stop Wearing Your Lenses

While managing contacts allergies is possible, there are times when it's best to give your eyes a break. You should temporarily discontinue wearing your colored contacts if:

• You are experiencing an acute allergy flare-up with severe itching, redness, or swelling.
• Your symptoms worsen despite following recommended hygiene and care practices.
• You suspect you might have an eye infection (characterized by pus, severe pain, or vision changes).
• Your eye doctor advises you to do so.

During these times, switch to eyeglasses until your symptoms resolve or you've consulted with your eye care professional. This allows your eyes to heal and reduces the risk of further irritation or complications.

The Role of Your Eye Care Professional

Your eye care professional is your most valuable resource when dealing with colored contacts and allergies. They can:

• Provide an Accurate Diagnosis: They can confirm if your symptoms are indeed due to allergies and rule out other conditions like dry eye or infection.
• Prescribe Appropriate Treatment: Based on your specific type and severity of allergies, they can prescribe medicated eye drops that are far more potent than over-the-counter options.
• Recommend the Best Lens Type: They can advise on the most suitable contact lens material and replacement schedule (like daily disposables) for your allergic eyes. MyEyeColors always emphasizes the importance of a proper fitting and prescription from an eye care professional for all our colored contact lenses.
• Monitor Your Eye Health: Regular check-ups ensure that your contacts are not causing any long-term issues and that your eyes remain healthy.

Never attempt to self-diagnose or self-treat severe eye conditions. Always seek professional advice, especially when dealing with medical devices like contact lenses.

Choosing the Right Lenses for Allergy Sufferers

When it comes to colored contacts, the right