The allergy seasons are a real challenge, especially if you wear contact lenses. A chronic allergy to mold, pet dander or other environmental allergens can create a year-round dilemma. No matter what the cause, seasonal allergies make your eyes hypersensitive and irritated. Ordinary soft contact lenses often make them feel even worse.

There's a lot you can do to reduce the misery of allergy season. Keep your contacts as clean as you can whether you have to use lubricating drops to rinse your eyes out regularly. Remove your contacts and clean them in a solution throughout the day, if they are not 'one-per-day' type lenses.

Allergy induced conjunctivitis, a condition that causes painful swelling and redness of the eyes, can make wearing your contacts a real pain. If this becomes a real issue, it's best to consult your optometrist. Disposable lenses allow you a more comfortable lens that you can trash at the end of the day. You'll have no more worries about making sure all the dust and pollen has been removed or cleansed.

Other ways to get relief are simple. During allergy season, contact lens wearers should close the windows in their cars and houses and use the air conditioner. Air conditioner filters often remove most of the annoying pollens and dust from the air. Avoid doing a lot of lawn work or outdoor activities in the mornings and early afternoon, because pollens are usually at their highest levels at that time.

Don't mow or rake the lawn without protective eyewear and a dust mask when your allergies are at their worst. If you've been outside or doing similar work, wash your hands frequently to avoid transferring pollens, dusts or molds close to your eyes.

Washing your hair everyday and your face two or three times a day also helps reduce the amount of transferable pollen and dust.

Allergies are an unfortunate condition for some people and there are a number of allergy medicines that can help reduce and in some cases even eliminate the symptoms. When contact lenses are involved, a little prevention can help reduce the amount of irritation or discomfort you might be feeling. If it doesn't, remember to always speak to your doctor for a diagnosis or prescription that could help.