Spring is a beautiful time of year in Canada. But for many of us, it brings red, itchy, and watery eyes.
If you wear contact lenses, allergy season can feel even worse. You might think you have to switch back to your glasses for a few months.
The good news is that you do not have to give up your contacts. You just need to change your routine slightly. Here is how to keep your eyes comfortable when the pollen count is high.
Why Do Contacts Make Allergies Worse?
Your contact lenses can act like a “pollen trap.”
When you go outside, tiny allergens like pollen and dust float in the air. They land on your eyes and stick to the surface of your contact lenses.
If you wear monthly or bi-weekly lenses, you might clean them every night, but it is hard to remove 100% of the buildup. Over time, that pollen stays on the lens. You end up putting the allergens right back into your eye the next morning. This triggers your immune system and causes that familiar itch.
The Best Lenses for Allergy Sufferers
The most effective way to fight allergies is to switch to daily lenses.
With daily lenses, you wear a fresh pair every morning. At the end of the day, you throw them away along with all the pollen, dust, and deposits that collected on them. You start every day with a clean slate.+1
Here are the top daily lenses we recommend for allergy season.
| Product Name | Type | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| DAILIES TOTAL1 | Daily Lens | This lens has a surface made of nearly 100% water. It creates a slick barrier that helps rinse away debris and pollen with every blink. It is extremely comfortable for irritated eyes. |
| ACUVUE OASYS 1-Day | Daily Lens | Infused with HydraLuxe technology. This mimics your natural tears to keep the eye hydrated. A stable tear film helps protect your eye surface from allergens in the air. |
| PRECISION1 | Daily Lens | A great value option. It uses SMARTSURFACE technology to hold moisture on the lens surface. This helps prevent the dryness and itchiness that often come with allergy season. |
| Biotrue ONEday | Daily Lens | Designed to match the water content of your cornea (78%). It retains moisture for up to 16 hours, acting as a gentle cushion that prevents allergens from sticking to the surface. |
5 Tips to Stop the Itch
Switching to daily lenses is the biggest step you can take. But there are other simple habits that will help you stay comfortable.
1. Don’t Rub Your Eyes
It is tempting to rub itchy eyes, but this makes it worse. Rubbing releases more histamine (the chemical that causes the itch) and can spread allergens deeper into your eye.
2. Use Cold Compresses
If your eyes are swollen or red, place a cold, damp washcloth over your closed eyes for ten minutes. The cold temperature shrinks swollen blood vessels and soothes the irritation.
3. Wear Sunglasses Outside
Sunglasses do more than block UV rays. They act as a physical shield against the wind. Large frames or wraparound styles can stop pollen from blowing directly into your eyes.
4. Shower Before Bed
Pollen collects on your hair and skin throughout the day. If you go to bed without showering, that pollen transfers to your pillowcase and gets into your eyes while you sleep. A quick rinse at night removes the allergens.
5. Use “Preservative-Free” Drops
If you need to use artificial tears often, look for “preservative-free” options. Preservatives can sometimes irritate sensitive eyes even more. These drops come in single-use vials and are very gentle.
Stuck with Monthly Lenses? Do This.
If you cannot switch to daily disposables, you need to upgrade your cleaning routine.
Standard multipurpose solutions rinse your lenses, but they might not remove sticky pollen buildup. We recommend switching to a Hydrogen Peroxide cleaning system (like Clear Care).
These systems use a special case with a neutralizing disc. The solution bubbles and fizzes for six hours. This bubbling action provides a deep clean that kills bacteria and removes allergens more effectively than standard rubbing. Just remember to let it soak for the full six hours or it will sting your eyes.
When to See a Doctor
Sometimes allergies lead to an infection. If your eyes are producing thick discharge, are sensitive to light, or are painful, stop wearing your contacts immediately. Visit your optometrist to make sure it is just allergies and not something more serious.
Get Ready for Allergy Season with VisionPros.ca
Do not let allergies slow you down this year. We stock all the daily lenses listed above to help you stay comfortable. As a proudly Canadian company, we understand how tough the allergy season can be here. We provide fast shipping directly to your door so you get relief when you need it. Shop your lenses today at VisionPros.ca.
