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.\r\rThis irritation is known as contact dermatitis: a skin rash caused by exposure or direct contact to certain substances or chemicals.\r\rPotential allergens include:\rrubber\rplastics\rsolvents\rdyes\rwaxes\rmetals\rplasticizers\rcosmetics\rnickel\rUV stabilizers\rplastics\rThe last three are of particular significance, as they are all commonly found in eyewear.\r\rNickel allergies\rNickel, 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.\r\rMany 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.\r\rUV stabilizers allergies\rUV 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.\r\rPlastics allergies\rAdditionally, 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.