Allergies to Eye glasses
Dr Rajeev Raut Eye Clinic Raut Eye Care

Although not common, it’s possible to have an allergic reaction to your prescription eyewear.



This is because some people may develop allergic reaction to the material of the frames or the coating around the frame, friction of part of the frame against the skin, or the nose pad (the portion of your eyeglasses that sits on your nose) material is allergic and does not suit the person. Some plastic frames have a metal wire for support of the frame due to constant use the plastic coating comes out and the metal wire may rub against the skin causing redness or blisters. Some people may develop allergies due to engravings on the sides or temples of the frame due to allergic reaction of the materials. The result can range from a mild skin irritation to oozing, blister-like sores around the eyes, rashes or black marks.

If you were to be allergic to glasses, skin irritation can develop in places where the glasses contact your skin. This can include the frames, as well as the nose pads. Some people may develop allergic reaction to the material of the frames or the coating around the frame, friction of part of the frame against the skin, or the nose pad (the portion of your eyeglasses that sits on your nose) material is allergic and does not suit the person. Some plastic frames have a metal wire for support of the frame due to constant use the plastic coating comes out and the metal wire may rub against the skin causing redness or blisters. Some people may develop allergies due to engravings on the sides or temples of the frame due to allergic reaction of the materials.



This irritation is known as contact dermatitis: a skin rash caused by exposure or direct contact to certain substances or chemicals.



Potential allergens include:

rubber

plastics

solvents

dyes

waxes

metals

plasticizers

cosmetics

nickel

UV stabilizers

plastics

The last three are of particular significance, as they are all commonly found in eyewear.



Nickel allergies

Nickel, especially, is a lead contributor to those who find they have an allergy to prescription eyeglasses. It can be challenging, then, to avoid exposure, and once an allergy to nickel develops, it never goes away.



Many who find they are allergic to costume jewelry often have an allergy to nickel. The solution: eyeglass frames that are hypo-allergenic and nickel-free.



UV stabilizers allergies

UV stabilizers are a polycarbonate material often used to make anti-reflective and scratch-resistant lenses. These too can cause an allergic reaction, most notably irritation to the eyes versus the skin around them.



Plastics allergies

Additionally, plastics used to make the frames, or silicone used to make the nose pads, may cause irritation on the cheeks and across the bridge of the nose. Like a nickel allergy, an allergy to plastic will produce similar symptoms. Choosing hypo-allergenic frames or frames made of titanium may be a option.

Symptoms of an eyeglass /spectacle allergy
itchiness
discoloration
tearing
light sensitivity
blisters
ring-shaped rash around the eyes
redness
swelling
irritation
sores
rash
Understanding the difference between an irritation and an allergy is the first step in determining the cause of your issue. your spectacles or parts of your frame can cause similar symptoms to that of an allergy, but the reason may be friction or sweat caused by heat or constant contact. If the problem persists or worsens, schedule an appointment with a licensed medical professional.

Avoiding contact with the potential allergen(material causing allergy) is the best way to diagnose any type of allergy.

First, discontinue wear, if possible. If you cannot go without your eyeglasses for a long period of time, however, a visit to your ophthalmologist is advised.
From there, your doctor may refer you to an allergy specialist or a dermatologist who will work to diagnose the issue, most likely by administering a patch test to determine to what, specifically, you are allergic.
Once an eyewear allergy is diagnosed, it will be a lot easier to avoid certain eyeglasses and pick ones that you know will not irritate your skin.

For example, if you discover you have an allergy to nickel but like the look of metal prescription frames, choose stainless steel or another hypo-allergenic metal like titanium. Be sure to check the material used to make the hinges and metal screws – they may contain nickel, as well. Coating them with clear nail polish may help make the eyeglasses wearable without resulting in an allergic reaction.

If the problem is an allergy to silicone, the ingredient commonly found in the nose pads, replace them with vinyl ones or cover them with vinyl tape.

A proper well-fitting frame should be chosen while you make your spectacles,and improper fit can also result with allergies to it.

There a number of options to help alleviate symptoms associated with an eyeglass allergy, chief among them is a corticosteroid applied topically. Nonsteroidal creams and OTC oral antihistamines like Zyrtec, Benadryl, Claritin, or Allegra should also provide relief, as will oral corticosteroids like prednisone in more severe cases.

In extreme cases, where avoiding specific types of frames or eyewear is not feasible, the immunosuppressant tacrolimus may provide long-lasting relief when applied as a topical ointment. Typically prescribed to those with severe eczema, tacrolimus has proven to work on contact dermatitis resulting from eyeglasses, as well.

This form of treatment should not be used by those with any sort of weakened immune system and should be used exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.

We at Dr. Raut Eye Care offer the best treatment to allergy to spectacle frames. Our clinic has a wide variety of frames and eyeglasses that you can choose.We make sure that your glasses are comfortable and provide the best care possible.