Contact lenses are one of the most popular cosmetic accessories with added medical benefits. They’re more commonly used as an alternative to wearing glasses, perfect for those who want to look stylish and sharp. One of the biggest upsides is that lenses are available in multiple colors, so you can play around with the color of your eyes and build your dream style. It’s quite the game-changer if you’re into cosplays and costumes.
However, contact lenses aren’t without their negative points. In essence, contact lenses are considered medical devices, meaning you must handle them with care, especially when they are worn, cleaned after each use, and stored in a clean container.
Pink Eye medically known as Conjunctivitis, is a common and highly contagious disease among contact lens wearers, leading to redness over the sclera, irritation, and sensitivity to light. Contact lenses can often increase the risk of Pink Eye and even prolong the infection if you do not follow the proper guidelines when cleaning the lens and the container. Simply understanding the cause, and taking proper measures can significantly reduce the risk of eye infections.
It is required that you only purchase contact lenses from reputable sellers with FDA-approved licenses.
If you ever feel a burning sensation or irritation in your eyes, check for any redness in your eyes and do not wear your contact lenses as the infection can spread, plus the reduced oxygen can make your eyes dry which can lead to further complications. Do not waste any time addressing this issue, if you’re wearing prescription contacts then switch to glasses, and use a cold compress to stop your eyes from heating up.
1. What Is Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)?
Pink eye (Conjunctivitis) is the inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin transparent layer that covers the sclera and inside the eyelid. The most noticeable symptoms of pink eye are redness on the white part of the eye, a sticky feeling in your eyes, and sensitivity to light. This condition can result from infections, allergens, or irritants and can be categorized into three types:
Viral Conjunctivitis
This is the most common type of pink eye, often caused by the same virus that causes the common cold. This is often the cause of pink eye as it is highly contagious but typically resolves on its own. You can tell it’s a viral infection if your eyes are clear red and watery.
Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Bacterial conjunctivitis is highly contagious, and often spreads from family members, friends, or classmates; improper hygiene can spread the infection as well. Symptoms of bacterial infection include redness over the sclera, sticky discharge, and swollen eyelids.
Allergic Conjunctivitis
Allergic Conjunctivitis infection is caused by allergens in the air and is more common among people with seasonal allergies. Symptoms of allergic infection include redness, watery discharge, and nasal congestion. Can be treated with antihistamines and mast cell stabilizer drops.
2. Common Causes of Pink Eye with Contacts
Contact lens wearers are more susceptible to pink eye infection because of the way contacts interact with the surface of your eye. Contacts restrict the flow of oxygen to your eyes which can make them dry, irritated, and vulnerable to infections. Improper care and unhygienic habits can lead to contaminants making their way to your eyes and causing an infection. Below are the most common causes of pink eye among people who wear contacts:
a. Improper Contact Lens Hygiene
Failing to properly care for and clean your contacts is one of the leading causes of pink eye, bacteria and microorganisms accumulate over the surface of your lenses, so cleaning them with contact lens solution after every use is necessary.
Additionally, you should also clean the contact lens case after each use, and replace them within a three-month cycle.
Please Follow Our Guidelines to properly clean and store your contact lenses after each use.
Pink eye is an infectious disease, and can easily be avoided by keeping your lenses clean and taking care of your hygiene.
b. Wearing Contacts for Too Long
Contact lenses rest atop the cornea of your eye, they work as a protective layer but they can also limit the flow of oxygen reaching your eyes. So wearing them for a prolonged time can lead to dryness, and irritation, which increases the risk of pink eye infection. If you suffer from dry eyes syndrome, you can use rewetting eye drops to prevent it.
- Sleeping with contact lenses is not safe, they can use corneal abrasion (a tear in the protective layer) which leads to bacteria entering your eye and causing an infection.
c. Using Expired or Contaminated Lens Solution
Contact lens solutions help to disinfect and maintain the sterility of your contacts. However, using expired or dirty lens solutions will introduce bacteria to the surface of your contacts, and wearing those contacts against the surface of your cornea will increase the risk of eye infections, irritation, and even more serious conditions like corneal ulcers.
Here is what you should avoid:
- Using contact lens solution past the expiration date
- Topping off the old solution instead of replacing it fully.
- Using homemade remedy solution for disinfection purposes
- Not closing the bottle properly.
d. Touching Your Eyes with Unwashed Hands
Your hands carry germs, they come into contact with countless surfaces throughout the day, picking bacteria, viruses, and dirt. Touching your contacts with dirty hands will spread those bacteria and viruses to your contacts; which risks transferring those contaminants into your eyes. Here is what you should do:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your contacts.
- Rinse your fingers with contact lens solution before you rinse your contacts.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes with dirty hands, or better yet, avoid rubbing them at all.
e. Wearing Contacts While Swimming or Showering
Swimming and showering with contacts is a big No. Water from swimming pools is filled with dirty bacteria and harmful microorganisms, your contacts will trap those bacteria inside which will cause severe eye infections. These infections can not only lead to pink eye but also cause corneal ulcers and abrasions. Here is what you do:
- Always remove contacts before hopping in a pool or showering.
- If you wish to wear contacts inside a pool, opt for prescription goggles.
- If water gets into your eyes while wearing contacts, remove your contacts immediately and disinfect them.
f. Allergic Reactions to Contact Lens Materials or Solutions
It’s not uncommon to have an allergic reaction to contact lenses or lens solutions, some people develop allergic reactions to the materials used in contact lenses or the preservatives inside lens solutions. These reactions can lead to redness, irritation, and conjunctivitis-like symptoms. Here is what you can try:
- Switch to preservative-free solutions if you suspect an allergic reaction.
- Try different lens materials if you experience persistent discomfort.
- Consult an eye doctor to identify allergies and find alternatives.
3. Symptoms and Self-Diagnosis
Different types of pink eye infections present with a range of symptoms that vary depending on the cause. While mild cases are easy to manage at home and usually resolve themselves, it's important to recognize when medical attention is necessary so you can avoid the disease getting worse. This section will help you identify the symptoms of pink eye, the difference between different types, and understand when to seek medical advice:
Self Assessment
- Redness & inflammation: If your eyes have mild redness, dryness, and you feel a burning sensation; make sure to use artificial tears and a cold compress to relieve the pain. Additionally, you can clean your eyelids with a wet cloth.
- Excessive secretion: If you’re experiencing watery eyes, you likely have non-bacterial conjunctivitis; you can either rest and let the disease go away on its own, or you can use antibiotics and lubricating eye drops.
- Sensitivity to light: If your eyes are sensitive to light, you likely have a case of allergic conjunctivitis. In this case, you should use antihistamines or mast cell stabilizers to speed up the recovery process.
Professional Visit
You should see an eye doctor or healthcare provider if:
- Symptoms last more than a week without improvement.
- You experience severe pain, vision changes, or extreme light sensitivity.
- There is a thick, green, or yellow discharge that causes the eyelids to stick together.
- You’re actively wearing contact lenses, as bacterial infections can be more serious for lens wearers.
Seeking timely medical care can prevent complications, especially for bacterial conjunctivitis, which may require antibiotic treatment.
4. Lens Hygiene & Preventative Measures
Proper lens hygiene plays a very important role in reducing the risk of pink eye while wearing contacts. If you regularly wear contacts; the following hygiene practices are essential for a pink-eye-free experience.
1. Always Wash Your Hands
Your hands are the number one culprit in spreading the disease to your eyes. Always Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and dry them with a lint-free towel before handling your contact lenses. Never touch your eyes or contact lenses with dirty or unwashed hands.
2. Only use Fresh, Sterile Lens Solution
Always clean and store your lenses with fresh, sterile contact lens solution. Never use tap water, saliva, or homemade saline to rinse lenses as they can not only spread the disease but also damage the contacts.
3. Replace Lens Cases Regularly
Old lens cases are prone to bacteria accumulation, we always recommend replacing your contact lens case every 1-3 months depending on usage. Rinse and clean your lens case with a sterile solution and then dry upside down over a clean tissue.
4. Follow the Wearing Schedule
How long should you wear contact lenses depends on your eye condition and the manufacturer’s recommended time. Primal recommends wearing contacts for no more than 8 hours each day, but if your eyes feel dry or irritated, remove your lenses and take a break.
5. Never Wear Contacts While Swimming or Showering
Wearing contact lenses while swimming can spread the bacteria from the pool to your contacts, which can lead to the spread of diseases. Make sure to always remove lenses before showering and jumping into a pool to avoid exposure to waterborne bacteria.
By following these hygiene practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of developing pink eye and maintain overall eye health.
5. Is It Safe to Wear Contacts with Conjunctivitis?
The short answer is NO, you should never ever wear contact lenses while you have pink eye, regardless of the type of pink eye it is. Not only can the infection spread further, but it can also intensify it, making it unbearable at times. Wearing contacts will only make the disease worse and also delay the healing process.
Potential Risks of Wearing Lenses with Conjunctivitis
Continuing to wear contacts while experiencing pink eye can lead to serious problems, including:
- Increased Irritation and Delayed Healing
Contact lenses can irritate an already inflamed eye by trapping the infectious bacteria inside your cornea. Contacts reduce the amount of oxygen that reaches your eye, which can slow down the recovery.
- Reinfection and Prolonged Symptoms
If your contacts or the lens cases are contaminated, reinfection is highly likely. Even if the symptoms are improved, using the same contaminated lenses can cause the infection to return.
- Corneal Infections and Ulcers
In severe cases of pink eye, wearing lenses can lead to corneal ulcers over the surface of your eye, which leads to damaging the protective layer and permanent vision damage.
For these reasons, it’s critical to stop wearing contact lenses until the infection is completely resolved.
6. Steps to Take If You Develop Pink Eye with Contacts
If you suspect you have pink eyes and you wear contact lenses, the first thing you do is stop using contacts and switch to prescription glasses until your infection has completely healed. Follow these additional steps to ensure the infection does not return:
- Disposal of old contacts: Never wear contact lenses in which you contracted the disease; throw those away and start with a fresh new pair.
- Replace lens case: make sure to also replace the lens case in which you store contacts, start fresh.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes: avoid touching your eyes as much as possible until the infection clears up.
Wait until symptoms are completely gone before considering wearing contact lenses again.
7. How Long Should You Wait Before Wearing Contacts Again?
A few days to a week depending on your condition. However, we also recommend taking 2-3 days off in a week when resuming to wear contacts; your eyes may begin to hurt a bit sooner.
Make sure to also replace your contacts, and lens case to prevent re-infection.
8. Conclusion
Pink Eye can be frustrating and uncomfortable, especially for contact lens wearers. However, by practicing proper lens hygiene, recognizing symptoms early, and avoiding contact lenses during an active infection, you can significantly reduce the risk.
If you develop conjunctivitis, removing your lenses immediately, disposing of contaminated lenses and cases, and following medical advice will help ensure a safe recovery.
Once fully healed, resuming lens wear with a fresh pair and proper hygiene can prevent reinfection. Prioritizing eye health and responsible contact lens use is the best way to keep your vision clear and infection-free.
