Seasonal Allergies and Vision: How ICL Can Help

Struggling with Seasonal Allergies This Year? Hayfever season seems to have been with us for longer than ever this year, along with itchy eyes, watery vision, and constant discomfort. While hay fever and other environmental triggers are often seen as minor annoyances, seasonal allergies can significantly impact eye health and visual comfort, especially for contact lens wearers.

Understanding Seasonal Allergies and Their Impact on the Eyes Seasonal allergies, also known as allergic conjunctivitis or hay fever, occur when the immune system reacts to environmental allergens such as:

Pollen from trees, grasses, or weeds Mould spores Dust mites Animal dander When allergens enter the eye, they trigger a histamine response, causing:

Itching and redness Excessive tearing Swelling of the eyelids Blurred vision or sensitivity to light For many people, these symptoms flare up in the warmer months and can become a major source of discomfort, especially when paired with contact lens use.

Contact Lenses and Allergies: A Difficult Combination If you wear contact lenses, you may notice that your seasonal allergies are even more troublesome. This is because contact lenses can:

Trap pollen and allergens on the surface of the eye Prevent proper tear drainage Irritate already inflamed tissues Exacerbate dry eye symptoms Wearing lenses during peak allergy season can feel like a constant battle. Switching to glasses helps to an extent but doesn’t fully eliminate the problem. For people with refractive errors who want lasting clarity and freedom from daily lens wear, ICL surgery presents a compelling alternative.

What Is ICL Surgery? ICL surgery, or Implantable Collamer Lens surgery , is a type of vision correction procedure designed for individuals who are unsuitable for laser eye surgery due to high prescriptions, dry eyes, or thin corneas.

Unlike LASIK or PRK, which reshape the cornea, ICL surgery involves placing a small, biocompatible lens between the iris and the natural lens. The lens corrects your vision in the same way as a contact lens, but from inside the eye.

Key benefits include:

Sharp, high-definition vision Reversibility if required No removal of corneal tissue Rapid recovery and minimal discomfort The Ultimate Guide to ICL Surgery: Everything You Need to Know

How ICL Surgery Helps Patients with Seasonal Allergies 1. No More Contact Lens Irritation The biggest advantage of ICL surgery for people with seasonal allergies is that it removes the need for contact lenses altogether. With your vision corrected internally, you no longer have to worry about lenses trapping allergens or worsening irritation.

You’ll be free to enjoy activities like walking, gardening, and socialising outdoors, without constant discomfort or the need to remove lenses throughout the day.

2. Better Comfort, All Year Round While seasonal allergies come and go, many people experience dry or irritated eyes all year round. ICL surgery reduces this risk by preserving the natural structure of the eye. Unlike laser-based surgeries, it does not cause or worsen dry eye symptoms, making it particularly suitable for allergy-prone individuals.

3. Clear Vision Without the Allergy Hassle During allergy season, it’s not uncommon to rub your eyes more frequently, something that can dislodge or damage contact lenses. With ICL surgery, you won’t need to worry about physical lens movement or accidental irritation. You’ll wake up each morning with clear vision, no need for lenses, and no added allergy stress.

4. Safe, Long-Term Correction for Allergy Sufferers ICL surgery is a safe and effective alternative to traditional refractive procedures, with high satisfaction rates among patients, especially those with moderate to severe short-sightedness.

At OCL Vision, our consultant ophthalmic surgeons carry out ICL procedures using the most advanced diagnostic equipment and implantable lens technology. Each treatment is tailored to your eye health, prescription, and lifestyle.

Who Is a Good Candidate for ICL Surgery? You may be a good candidate for ICL surgery if you:

Suffer from moderate to high myopia (short-sightedness) Suffer from hyperopia (long-sightedness) Are aged between 21 and 45 Experience seasonal allergies and contact lens discomfort Have thin corneas or dry eyes Are not suitable for LASIK or other laser-based surgery During your consultation at OCL Vision, your eye health will be thoroughly assessed to determine your suitability. We’ll take time to understand how seasonal allergies affect your eyes and help you decide if ICL is the right solution.

What to Expect After ICL Surgery ICL surgery is typically performed as a day procedure under local anaesthetic and mild sedation. Most patients notice significant visual improvement within 24 hours, with minimal discomfort during recovery.

At OCL Vision, you’ll receive:

A detailed consultation with a consultant ophthalmic surgeon Personalised lens selection based on your vision needs Comprehensive aftercare to monitor healing and visual outcomes You’ll be able to return to normal activities quickly, with clearer vision and far fewer issues during allergy season.

Seasonal Allergies Shouldn't Interfere with Your Vision Living with seasonal allergies doesn’t mean you have to put up with blurred, itchy eyes or contact lens discomfort. ICL surgery offers a long-term solution that allows you to enjoy sharp vision without the added hassle during spring, summer, or any time of year.

Whether you’re tired of daily lens care or just want freedom from seasonal irritation, ICL may offer the clarity and comfort you’ve been waiting for.

Book a Consultation at OCL Vision If you struggle with seasonal allergies and want to explore freedom from glasses or contact lenses, speak to the expert team at OCL Vision. Our consultants will help you understand your options and whether ICL surgery is the right next step.

Book your consultation with OCL Vision today and discover how ICL surgery can help you see clearly, whatever the season.

Seasonal Allergies and Vision: How ICL Can Help

Ms Laura de Benito-Llopis

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Seasonal Allergies and Vision: How ICL Can Help

Ms Laura de Benito-Llopis

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