Ask the Optician – How can I stop hayfever from affecting my eyes?

EYE DROPS: Contact lens wearers may have to revert to glasses during treatment.

IT’S hayfever season and many people find that it affects the eyes, in some cases making them water, in other cases making them dry, itchy and sore. We get a lot of questions at this time of year about the topic, so here are some of the most frequently asked questions for you.

How does hayfever affect the eyes?
Hayfever can cause conjunctivitis underneath your eyelids which will cause your eyes to feel itchy. When you get conjunctivitis under your eyelids less mucin is produced and your eyes will feel dry. On the other hand, the hayfever can simply irritate the eyes and make them water, both bad news, especially if you wear contact lenses.

How can I stop my eyes watering and being sore during hayfever season?
There are many hayfever remedies available which help reduce all the symptoms of hayfever including the issues with your eyes. If you find your usual brand has stopped working, try a few different ones as every year can be different. If your eyes are reacting quite badly you could also try an antihistamine eye drop.
Can I still wear contact lenses during hayfever season?
Unfortunately, hayfever is a real problem for contact lenses. If your eyes are affected badly, there is no option but to revert to wearing glasses so you can use antihistamine eye drops, as you cannot use these with contact lenses.

Why am I getting blurred vision with contact lenses during hayfever season?
For hayfever sufferers, the eyes can react against a contact lens, or the deposits on a lens. The underside of the top eyelid then gets inflamed, and develops papillae (raised red bumps). These bumps cause toric lenses to become off axis causing blur, and also more mucous is produced and that can blur a lens. The only options are daily disposable lenses, or to revert to your glasses.
If you are experiencing discomfort, go to your nearest Specsavers. www.specsavers.es

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