Allergic Reactions to Contact Lens Solutions Can Be Prevented

Allergic reactions to contact lens solutions affect a large part of the population of contact wearers. Almost 30% of the population of the United States has some form of eye allergies. Many times symptoms can be brought on by the solutions used to clean contact lenses. Signs of an allergic reaction may include increased mucus production, watery eyes, redness, or dry, scratchy eyes.

Contact lens allergies usually occur in those with a hypersensitivity to preservatives in the solutions themselves. Many people in the past complained of allergic reactions to a preservative in solutions called thimerosal. Most current solutions on the market today do not contain thimerosal. Still a significant number of people have allergic reactions to chemicals found in solutions such as benzalkonium chloride and EDTA.

Not only are chemicals found in contact cleaning solutions, some have mercury in their formulas, which provides some users with irritation. Most allergic reactions to these substances occur quickly, just after insertion of the contact. Often times, off brand solutions for sensitive eyes still contain significant amounts of these chemicals and offer no relief to sufferers.

One remedy to allergic reactions from solutions used in contact cleaning is to change the type of contact you wear. Soft contact wearers have less allergic reactions. Daily disposable contact wearers have no allergic reactions to cleaners since they don't have to use them. Many contact lens solution manufacturers have developed formulas that are preservative free.

Check to see if you can purchase contact lense supplies without harsh chemicals in the formulas if you are allergic.