Contact Lens Allergy
Have You Developed an Allergy to Your Contact Lenses?
Allergies of the eye are overreactions of the immune system to foreign substances that might otherwise be harmless. The touching of a contact lens to the eye's conjunctiva can cause an immune response that results in redness, itchiness, and general discomfort. This occurs when the contact lenses themselves or the proteins in tear film that bind to the surface of the lens can cause an irritative response of the conjunctiva, resulting in redness, itching, mucous discharge, and lens discomfort.
A more severe form known as giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC) is typified by large swellings of the mucous membranes of the upper lid and may result ultimately in the inability to wear lenses. The name comes from what we see when we flip the upper eyelid: 1-2 mm bumps called "giant papillae".
Contact lens allergy generally occurs in patients who have worn contact lenses for years and is a common occurrance. Patients often arrive in our office concerned that their contacts are no longer comfortable and have noticed a slight discharge from their eyes. It's precisely the long duration of wear that triggers the condition. However, patients with asthma, hay fever, animal dander or other airborne allergies may be at greater risk of developing contact lens allergy.
Contact Lens Allergy Symptoms
- Swelling or puffiness of the eyes
- Redness
- Itching
- Tearing
- Mucous discharge
- Contact lens discomfort
- Foreign body sensation
The symptoms described above may not necessarily mean that you have allergies of the eye. However, if you experience one or more of these symptoms, contact your eye doctor for a complete exam.
Contact Lens Allergy Treatment
The key to treatment is decreased lens wear time, frequent replacement of the contacts and diligent cleaning of the lenses each day. Disposable contacts help because they are discarded before the protein builds up. Sleeping in contacts must be avoided.
Besides the above, treatments may include allergy drops or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drops. Once the lens allergy clears up, the patient may want to consider LASIK vision correction to avoid a recurrence. Call for a free screening exam to see if this is an option for you. Remember that Dr. Cutarelli is one of the most experienced blade-free LASIK surgeons in the Denver, Colorado area.
Are you having problems with your contacts or need a thorough eye examination? Give us a call.
The Cutarelli Vision Promise
Dr. Paul Cutarelli is first and foremost concerned about what is best for you as his patient and strives diligently and with great care to achieve the goal of your best possible vision. We invite you to call us today for your personalized consultation.
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Cutarelli Vision Denver, Colorado Office 303-486-2020 Map and Directions 7887 E. Belleview Avenue, Suite 180 Englewood, Colorado 80111 |
Cutarelli Vision Fort Collins, Colorado Office 970-225-2300 Map and Directions 2105 Bighorn Road Fort Collins, Colorado 80525 |
Dr. Paul Cutarelli performs advanced technology diagnostic testing and treatment, as well as taking the time necessary to provide each patient with information needed to fully understand his or her condition and to achieve the best possible visual outcome.
Denver Location
- 7887 E. Belleview Avenue
Suite 180 - (East of I-25)
Englewood, Colorado 80111
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Fort Collins Location
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2105 Bighorn Road
Fort Collins, Colorado 80525
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