A chalazion is a common, usually painless, lump that forms on the eyelid when an oil gland, known as a meibomian gland, becomes blocked. This blockage causes oil to build up, leading to a swollen bump. Chalazions are a frequent concern for contact lens wearers, who often wonder if it is safe to continue wearing their lenses during this time.
Why Contact Lenses Should Be Avoided
Wearing contact lenses when you have a chalazion is generally not recommended. Contact lenses can rub against the inflamed eyelid, increasing discomfort and hindering healing. A chalazion can also make the eye more susceptible to bacterial infection. Contact lenses, even when properly cleaned, can introduce or harbor bacteria, potentially leading to a secondary infection, a risk particularly elevated if the chalazion is actively inflamed or has opened. The presence of a foreign body like a contact lens can impede the effectiveness of common treatments, such as warm compresses, which rely on heat to help the blocked gland drain.
Safe Practices During Chalazion Healing
While a chalazion is present, wearing glasses is the safest and most comfortable alternative to contact lenses, allowing the eyelid to heal without additional friction or potential contamination. Maintaining gentle eye hygiene is also important; avoid rubbing the affected eye and always ensure hands are clean before touching the face or eye area. Applying warm compresses is a widely recommended home remedy to help a chalazion resolve; soaking a clean washcloth in warm water and holding it over the closed eyelid for 10 to 15 minutes, several times a day, can help soften the blocked oil and encourage drainage. Contact lens wear should only resume after the chalazion has fully resolved. When restarting, it is advisable to use new contact lenses and fresh solution to minimize any risk of re-infection or irritation.
When to Seek Professional Advice
Consulting an eye care professional, such as an optometrist or ophthalmologist, is important for proper diagnosis and management of a chalazion. While many chalazions resolve on their own with home care, a professional can confirm the diagnosis and rule out more serious conditions. Certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, including worsening pain, changes in vision, spreading redness around the eye, or the discharge of pus. If a chalazion does not show signs of improvement after several weeks of consistent home care, or if it frequently recurs, seeking professional advice is also recommended. A doctor’s clearance is ideal before resuming contact lens wear, particularly if the chalazion was persistent or involved complications.