Pink eye (also called conjunctivitis) is one of the most common and most contagious eye infections, often causing redness, itching, discharge, and overall discomfort. For people who rely on contact lenses every day, dealing with conjunctivitis can be especially disruptive. Beyond the irritation, many wonder whether it’s safe to continue wearing their lenses while the infection runs its course.
Wearing contact lenses with pink eye is not recommended, as your contacts may trap germs against the eye’s surface, increase irritation, and prolong recovery.
Identifying Pink Eye
Before we discuss contact lens safety, it’s important to understand what pink eye is and how to recognize it. Conjunctivitis can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergens, or chemical irritants. Viral and bacterial forms are extremely contagious.
Some symptoms of pink eye to watch for include:
- Redness or Swelling: The white part of the eye and the inner eyelid become red and inflamed.
- Itching or Burning: A persistent, uncomfortable itching or burning sensation is common.
- Excessive Tearing: Your eyes may produce more tears than usual.
- Discharge: You might notice a discharge from the eye that can be watery, thick, yellow, or green.
- Light Sensitivity: Known as photophobia, this is when bright lights become uncomfortable.
If you notice any of these symptoms, consult an eye doctor for a proper diagnosis. They can determine the cause of your eye infection and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Why Contacts & Pink Eye Don’t Mix
Wearing contact lenses with an active pink eye infection is not recommended for several reasons.
First, your contacts can act as a reservoir for germs, trapping the virus or bacteria responsible for the infection directly against your cornea. This not only prolongs the infection, but can also increase the risk of more serious complications, like a corneal ulcer—an open sore on the cornea that can cause discomfort and potentially threaten your vision.
Furthermore, contact lenses can increase irritation. An inflamed eye is already sensitive, and adding a foreign object like a contact lens can make symptoms of itching and discomfort much worse. Allowing your eyes to breathe and heal without this added stress is an important part of recovery.
Do’s & Don’ts for Contact Lens Wearers
For a safe and speedy recovery from pink eye, follow these guidelines for handling your contact lenses.
DO:
- Switch to glasses immediately: As soon as you suspect you have pink eye, stop wearing your contacts and switch to your glasses.
- Throw away contaminated items: Dispose of the contact lenses you were wearing when the symptoms started. It’s also wise to discard the contact lens case you were using to avoid reinfection. If your pink eye is bacterial or viral, you should also throw away any eye makeup you’ve recently used.
- Wash your hands thoroughly: Practice excellent hygiene. Wash your hands with soap and water frequently, especially before touching your face or applying any prescribed eye drops.
- Consult your eye doctor: Schedule an appointment with your optometrist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
DONT:
- Don’t wear contacts until cleared: Do not wear any contact lenses—even a fresh pair—until your eye doctor confirms the infection is completely gone.
- Don’t reuse old or expired solutions or lenses: Throw away any opened bottles of contact lens solution you were using when you got the infection, and never use expired solution or expired contact lenses.
- Don’t overextend disposable lenses: One-day disposable lenses should never be reused, and 2-week or monthly lenses should only be worn for their recommended replacement cycle. Extending wear increases the risk of reinfection.
- Don’t share personal items: Pink eye is contagious. Avoid sharing towels, pillows, makeup, or eye drops with others to prevent spreading the infection.
- Don’t rub your eyes: It can be tempting, but rubbing your eyes will only increase irritation and can spread the infection to your other eye or other people.
By following these simple do’s and don’ts, you’ll help protect your eyes, speed up healing, and reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others.
Returning to Contact Lenses After Pink Eye
Once your eye doctor has given you the all-clear, you can start wearing contact lenses again. However, it’s important to start with a brand-new pair. If you wear reusable contacts (bi-weekly or monthly), open a fresh pair from a new box. Do not try to salvage lenses that may have been exposed to the infection, even if you think you’ve cleaned them thoroughly.
If you wear daily disposable lenses, this process is simpler. You can just start with a new lens each day. For all types of lens wearers, starting with a new, sterile lens case is also a must.
Prioritizing Your Eye Health With Mint Eyecare
At Mint Eyecare, we’re dedicated to helping you manage your eye health with expert care. If you’re experiencing symptoms of pink eye or have any concerns about your contact lenses, schedule an appointment with one of our experienced Brampton eye doctors.
We’ll provide a comprehensive eye exam, offer a diagnosis, and guide you on a safe path to recovery.
