Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin membrane covering the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. This condition typically causes redness, itching, discharge, and a gritty feeling in the eye. Viral and bacterial forms of pink eye are highly contagious, often spreading through contaminated surfaces or close personal contact. Wearing glasses is acceptable and is the recommended alternative to contact lenses during an active infection.
Why Glasses Are Acceptable
Glasses are considered safe because they do not make direct contact with the surface of the eye, specifically the inflamed conjunctiva. Unlike a contact lens, the eyeglasses frame sits on the bridge of the nose and behind the ears, keeping the lens away from the infected tissue. This separation prevents the glasses from interacting with infectious discharge or trapping pathogens against the eye itself.
Eyeglasses provide a physical barrier, reducing the likelihood of the wearer instinctively touching or rubbing the infected eye, which is a primary mechanism for spreading the infection. Since they offer a safe way to maintain corrected vision while the infection runs its course, they are the preferred form of vision correction.
Contact Lenses Are Not Safe
Contact lenses must be avoided entirely during any active pink eye infection. A contact lens rests directly on the cornea and interacts with the conjunctiva every time the wearer blinks, creating a significant health risk. The lens material can act as a vehicle, trapping the infectious agent—whether a virus or bacterium—against the eye’s surface.
This trapping effect can prolong the infection, increase its severity, and heighten the risk of developing complications, such as a corneal ulcer. Corneal complications can be painful and may threaten vision. It is imperative to immediately remove and discard any contact lenses, lens cases, and solutions that were in use at the onset of symptoms to prevent re-infection or cross-contamination.
Hygiene Protocols for Eyewear
Even though glasses are safe to wear, they can still become contaminated and contribute to the spread of the infection, especially if the wearer touches their eye and then handles the frames. To manage this risk, clean your eyeglasses frame and lenses frequently throughout the day. Use mild soap and water or a specific lens cleaner to sanitize them, paying attention to the nose pads and temples where they touch your face.
Hand hygiene must be practiced before and after handling your glasses or applying any eye drops. The goal is to avoid transferring infectious discharge from the eye to the surface of the glasses and then to your hands, or vice versa. Avoid sharing your eyeglasses with anyone, as this is a direct way to spread conjunctivitis.
When to Resume Contact Lens Use
Safely returning to contact lens wear requires the complete resolution of all symptoms. The eye must be entirely symptom-free—meaning no redness, discharge, irritation, or tearing—for a specified period, typically 24 to 48 hours, depending on the cause of the infection. If the pink eye was treated with prescription eye drops, wait until the full course of medication is completed before considering reintroducing lenses.
When resuming, you must start with a completely fresh pair of contact lenses, a brand new lens case, and fresh solution. Discard everything that was in use during the infection, including old lenses and solutions. For bacterial conjunctivitis, a waiting period of 24 hours after discontinuing antibiotics is often advised. Consult with an eye care professional before reintroducing contacts, especially if the infection was severe or if you are unsure about the cause.