Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is an inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane lining the eyelid and covering the white part of the eyeball. It is caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergies, leading to redness, discomfort, and discharge. If you wear contact lenses and experience symptoms of pink eye, you must immediately stop using your lenses. Wearing prescription glasses is safe and often recommended to promote healing during an infection.
Wearing Glasses While Infected
Switching from contact lenses to glasses is the standard practice when dealing with pink eye. Unlike contacts, glasses do not sit directly on the cornea, meaning they do not trap infectious agents or irritants against the eye’s surface. This absence of direct contact allows the eye to heal without the physical irritation a lens would cause.
Glasses also serve as a physical barrier, helping prevent the transfer of pathogens from your hands to your eyes. The presence of glasses can discourage the unconscious rubbing or touching of irritated eyes. Although you may notice temporary smudging from excessive tearing or discharge, the eyewear poses no risk to the recovery process.
Why Contact Lenses Must Be Avoided
Contact lenses create a significant risk because they rest directly on the eye’s surface, which is already inflamed. The lens acts as a physical barrier that traps bacteria, viruses, or allergens against the delicate corneal tissue. This trapping mechanism exacerbates the inflammation and slows recovery time.
Wearing contacts with pink eye increases the risk of a secondary infection, such as a corneal ulcer. This complication involves an open sore on the cornea and can lead to permanent vision impairment if not treated promptly. Disposable lenses and their cases must be discarded immediately due to contamination. Long-wear lenses require thorough disinfection and should not be resumed until an eye doctor confirms the infection is resolved, typically 24 to 48 hours after symptoms clear.
Disinfecting Your Glasses and Environment
Maintaining strict hygiene is paramount to preventing the spread of pink eye or reinfecting yourself. Your glasses, especially the frames, nose pads, and temples, need frequent cleaning due to close contact with contaminated skin and discharge. Clean your glasses several times daily using warm water and mild dish soap, which removes pathogens without damaging lens coatings.
Alternatively, use lens-specific cleaning sprays or alcohol wipes on the frames for disinfection. Focus on environmental hygiene to minimize contamination risks. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds every time you touch your eyes or face. Changing your pillowcase and sheets daily is necessary, as discharge transfers infectious material to the fabric while you sleep. Avoid sharing anything that touches your face, including towels, washcloths, and eye makeup, until the infection has fully passed.
Knowing When to Seek Medical Attention
While many cases of pink eye are caused by viruses and resolve on their own, certain symptoms require immediate medical evaluation. You should contact a healthcare provider if you experience moderate to severe eye pain that worsens over time. Blurry or reduced vision, which suggests the cornea may be affected, is a serious warning sign.
Intense redness that does not improve after a few days, or a significant increase in light sensitivity (photophobia), also warrants a doctor’s visit. If symptoms persist longer than five to seven days without improvement, prescription treatment may be necessary. Contact lens wearers must seek care if symptoms do not improve within 12 to 24 hours of removing the lenses, due to the elevated risk of serious secondary infection.