Itchy eyes in pollen season: can you still wear contact lenses?

When your eyes itch, set the contact lenses aside for now

Itchy eyes in pollen season are mostly an allergic reaction caused by pollen landing on the surface of the eye. The conjunctiva is already inflamed, and putting a lens on top adds foreign-body sensation and friction. The MSD Manual consumer version, when discussing allergic conjunctivitis, states clearly that contact lenses should be avoided during flare-ups.

So the rule can be simple: if your eyes are only slightly dry with no obvious itching, short periods of wear are probably fine; once itching, redness, watering or eyelid swelling appear, switch to glasses first. This is not giving up contact lenses for good, just giving your eyes a few weeks to rest.

One more reminder: do not rub when it itches. Rubbing releases more inflammatory substances, so the more you rub, the itchier it gets, and it can also bring dirt from your hands and lenses into your eyes.

How to rank daily disposables, longer-wear lenses and glasses

If you really need to wear lenses during this time, daily disposables are relatively easier. You change to a new pair every day, which skips soaking in solution and cleaning the lens case, and less pollen and protein build up on the lens. Lenses worn for longer periods need repeated care, and any step done poorly can make your eyes more uncomfortable.

But daily disposables are not a magic shield. On days with high pollen counts, pollen will still stick to the lens surface. You can pair them with wrap-around sunglasses or a wide-brimmed hat to reduce pollen blowing directly into your eyes.

When symptoms are obvious, glasses are the safer choice. They sit in front of the eyes and by themselves reduce some pollen contact. Switch back to lenses after the itching and redness have gone, and there is no need to switch back and forth on the same day.

Lens hygiene and solution: do not skip these steps

Lens solution is only for cleaning and soaking lenses. Do not use it to rinse your eyes, and do not use tap water instead. Empty the lens case each time, leave it open to air-dry, replace it regularly, and do not leave lenses soaking in old solution for long periods.

Wash your hands before putting in or taking out lenses, and dry them before touching the lenses. In pollen season, when you come home from outside, wash your hands and face first, then handle your lenses. Some studies suggest pollen sticks to clothing and hair, so changing your outer clothes when you get home is more reassuring.

When your eyes are dry, do not force yourself to keep wearing lenses by using eye drops. Artificial tears can rinse the eye surface and reduce irritation, but which one to use and whether it can be used while wearing lenses should be asked of a pharmacist or eye doctor. Do not use them long-term on your own.

When to stop wearing lenses and see an eye doctor

If any of the following happen, stop wearing contact lenses and see an eye doctor as soon as possible:

Obvious eye pain, not just itching; blurred vision or a foggy view; clearly red whites of the eyes, or sensitivity to light; eyelids so swollen you cannot open them; yellow or green discharge.

Also, if your eyes stay uncomfortable for more than a day or two after wearing lenses, or if things do not improve after switching back to glasses and resting, it is best to see a doctor. Early corneal problems can look very mild and are hard to judge on your own, so it is safer to let an eye doctor decide.

If symptoms keep coming back and are obvious every pollen season, you can talk with your doctor before the season about overall management, including whether you need allergen testing and how to combine daily protection. The specific plan is decided by the doctor based on your personal situation.

This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Please follow your doctor's instructions.