by Joel Harrison
12. June 2011 14:27
According to Ronald K. Watanabe, OD, FAAO, all patients who suffer from allergies should use a wide range of methods at the same time to relieve their symptoms, which should allow them to continue wearing contact lenses during the allergy season. Among the most effective methods Dr Watanabe lists artificial tears (without preservatives), cold compresses (which help to decrease eye inflammation) and various allergy medications, which generally lower the intensity of allergic reactions.
As far as contact lenses are concerned, Dr Watanabe suggests switching to daily contact lenses, because they are less prone to debris accumulation. This solution can also be used by those who wear GP lenses, as it is easy to replace them with daily disposables for a limited time. Another way of dealing with the problem is using a peroxide based care system, which should decrease eye irritation associated with lens care solutions, and rinsing lenses with a saline solution before inserting them.
If the problem of allergy is dealt with the use of different approaches, Dr Watanabe concludes, it will be possible to wear contact lenses comfortably even in the allergy season.
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