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Relief for allergy sufferers with contact lenses

If you are among the 22 million Americans who have seasonal allergies, you know what's in store come spring and fall: red, itchy, watery eyes. And if you wear contact lenses and have allergies, you could be in for added discomfort.

According to a recent survey by the American Optometric Association, more than 75 percent of contact-wearers report eye discomfort caused by allergens adhering to their lenses during the pollen season.

What's a contact-wearing, allergy sufferer to do? Here are a few tips:

• Switch to eyeglasses whenever possible. Since allergens such as pollen and dust often stick to the plastic surfaces of contacts, this strategy will reduce your chances of getting hit by an attack.
• Moisten irritated eyes with artificial tears that help prevent drying caused by allergens, while also washing them out of your eyes. Warning: Don't buy over-the-counter redness relievers to ease your allergic symptoms. Most of these products are cosmetic only and won't reduce your symptoms.
• Clean your contacts more often and consider using a preservative-free solution. Regular cleaning will remove allergens from your lenses and reduce allergy symptoms, and using a preservative-free solution will help avoid allergic reactions. If you wear disposable lenses, you might want to consider replacing them more frequently.
• When allergy-linked itching sets in, do not rub your eyes. Excessive rubbing will only inflame eyes further. Instead of rubbing, place a cool, damp compress over your eyes to reduce swelling and itching.
• See your eye doctor. Allergy sufferers can choose from a wide array of medical products designed to protect the eyes of contact-wearers from allergy attacks. The doctor also can make sure your symptoms aren't being caused by an under- lying medical problem.

[Source: Vision Service Plan's Eye on Health Online Newsletter.]