One of the easiest ways to avoid this type of situation is to always keep your contact lenses as clean as possible. It sounds simple, but studies have shown that over forty percent of contact lens wearers do not clean their lenses properly. In addition, the preservatives in many lens care systems can actually worsen ocular allergy symptoms. While all contact lens wearers should keep their lenses properly cleaned, people with allergies should be especially diligent. Many people don't realize the benefits of rubbing their lenses with a lens cleaner and then rinsing them with a preservative-free saline prior to disinfection. By using your finger to rub your lenses with such solutions, you can remove up to ninety percent of the potentially harmful micro-organisms that accumulate on your lenses. At the same time, you're also removing the dirt, debris, oils, pollen and loosely bound protein deposits that all add to eye irritation.

Many eye care professionals recommend AOSEPT, a preservative-free, hydrogen peroxide lens care system . Thorough cleaning with the AOSEPT system helps prevent the build-up of protein deposits. In fact, people who use AOSEPT report that their lenses feel more comfortable at the end of the day.

Still another way to reduce eye irritation is by replacing your contact lenses on a more frequent basis. Frequently replaced lenses can be more comfortable as protein deposits are less likely to develop and cause a problem before they get thrown out.

Allergies can't be avoided. But there are things you can do to help make them less annoying. For contact lens wearers, the best person to ask is your eye care professional.