Allergy season can be challenging for many, especially those prone to eye allergies. As the trees bloom and pollen fills the air, individuals with sensitive eyes may experience discomfort ranging from mild irritation to severe itching and redness. At Uptown Vision, located in Minneapolis, we understand eye allergies' impact on daily life. Here are some expert tips on managing eye allergies effectively during allergy season.
1. Exposure to Harmful Microorganisms
Water bodies, whether pools, oceans, or lakes, harbor various microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. One of the most concerning is Acanthamoeba, a microbe found in all forms of water. This amoeba can attach to your contact lenses and cause Acanthamoeba keratitis. This rare but severe eye infection is challenging to treat and could lead to permanent vision impairment or blindness.
2. Increased Risk of Infection
When you swim with contact lenses, you expose them to water that can cause them to tighten around your eyes. This makes them uncomfortable and traps bacteria against your eye, increasing the risk of infections. Chlorinated water diminishes the effectiveness of the natural immune properties of the tear film in your eyes, further enhancing this risk.
3. Contact Lens Contamination
The soft material of contact lenses is porous, allowing chemicals and impurities in the water to adhere to the surface. This contamination can lead to various eye irritations or conditions, such as conjunctivitis or swollen corneas. Moreover, these contaminants can permanently damage the lens material, altering its fit and function.
4. Potential for Losing Lenses
Swimming can cause soft lenses to swell and change their shape slightly. This alteration can lead to lenses slipping off the eye, especially when opening your eyes underwater. Losing a lens leaves you in discomfort and poses a challenge in replacing them, mainly if they are prescription or specially designed.
5. Chemical Reactions
The chlorine in pools, designed to kill germs, can react with your contact lenses, leading to discomfort and possible damage to the cornea. Saltwater is no safer, as it can dehydrate contact lenses, causing them to tighten painfully onto the eyeball.
Consult with an Eye Care Professional at Uptown Vision
If your symptoms persist or worsen, it’s essential to consult with an eye care professional. At Uptown Vision, our experts can offer tailored advice and treatment options based on your needs and the severity of your eye allergies. We may also test for specific allergens and recommend immunotherapy or long-term treatment strategies.
Allergy season need not be a time of discomfort and annoyance. By managing your eye allergies proactively, you can enjoy the season with minimal disruption. Remember, the key to effective management is understanding what triggers your symptoms and knowing how to avoid those triggers.
Stay prepared and make the most of the season with clear, comfortable vision. For more information on managing eye allergies or to schedule an appointment, contact Uptown Vision in Minneapolis.