You wear contact lenses, but every spring, your eyes betray you: itching, redness, a gritty feeling... or even dry eyes that set in throughout the year. Should you give up contact lenses if your eyes are sensitive, allergic, or dry? Not necessarily.

In this article, we take stock: what are the risks, alternatives, and best practices for continuing to wear contact lenses comfortably?

Eye Allergies: Why Do Contact Lenses Become a Problem?

When you suffer from eye allergies, such as those caused by pollen, dust, or pet dander, your eyes react with inflammation of the conjunctiva. This often manifests as itching, excessive tearing, diffuse redness, or a burning sensation.

Contact lenses themselves are not allergenic. But they can worsen symptoms by trapping allergen particles on their surface. In addition, they sometimes prevent natural tears from distributing properly, which limits the natural elimination of irritants.

In summary: if your eyes are already weakened by an allergy, Contact Lenses.

Dry Eyes: More Demanding Conditions

Dry eye is a condition in which the eyes do not produce enough tears, or tears of poor quality. This can have various causes: age, prolonged screen use, a dry environment, certain medical conditions, or medications.

Contact lenses, especially if poorly hydrated or worn for too long, tend to aggravate the feeling of dryness because they interfere with the layer of tears that normally protects the surface of the eye. Wearers then experience tingling, discomfort at the end of the day, fluctuating vision, or even mild pain.

Can you wear contact lenses in these cases?

The good news is that it is entirely possible to wear contact lenses even with dry or allergic eyes, provided you adapt your choice and routine. Here are the recommendations to follow:

🟢 1. Choose daily disposable lenses

> Every day, insert a clean and sterile Contact Lens.

> This limits the formation of allergenic or bacterial deposits.

> Perfect for people with allergies or sensitivities, especially during high-risk seasons.

🟢 2. Choose Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lenses

> This material allows for better oxygenation of the cornea.

> It retains moisture better than traditional Contact Lenses.

> It is often better tolerated by dry eyes.

🟢 3. Use moisturizing drops specifically for contact lenses

> Artificial tears lubricate the eye and improve comfort.

> Choose eye drops without preservatives, as these can irritate already sensitive eyes.

🟢 4. Limit wear time

> Wear your Contact Lenses only a few hours a day.

> Alternate with glasses when your eyes feel tired or irritated.

🟢 5. Care for your lenses carefully

> If you use reusable Contact Lenses, clean them thoroughly with specific disinfectant solutions.

> Never rinse them under tap water, and change the storage case regularly.

When should you take a break or consult a doctor?

In some cases, continuing to wear contact lenses despite symptoms can worsen the condition of your eyes. Here are some warning signs:

> Your eyes become red and painful as soon as you put in your contact lenses.

> You have persistent blurred vision despite proper cleaning.

> You experience discomfort that doesn't go away with moisturizing drops.

> Your eyelids swell or you have difficulty blinking.

In these cases, it's best to temporarily stop wearing contact lenses and consult an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. A more serious condition, such as severe allergic conjunctivitis, keratitis, or chronic dry eye, may be the cause.

 

Simple tips to soothe sensitive eyes

Even if you continue to wear contact lenses, adopting a few daily steps can greatly improve your visual comfort:

> Rinse your eyes with saline during allergy periods.

> Clean your eyelids with sterile compresses or special wipes.

> Wear wide-brimmed sunglasses to limit exposure to pollen or dust.

> Use a humidifier if the air in your home is too dry.

> Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep worsens dry eyes.

Wearing Contact Lenses despite dry eyes or allergies is not prohibited—but it requires increased vigilance, careful monitoring, and carefully chosen products. By listening to your eyes and adapting your routine, you can achieve comfort and visual clarity without compromising your eye health.

And above all, never hesitate to take a break and consult a doctor if you feel that your Contact Lenses are no longer as comfortable as they used to be.