A stye (hordeolum) is a common infection appearing as a painful, red, pimple-like lump on the edge of the eyelid. It occurs when an oil-producing gland or hair follicle near the base of an eyelash becomes blocked and infected, usually by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. For those who wear corrective lenses, this tender swelling raises the urgent question of whether contact lens wear can continue. This guidance provides definitive advice on managing contact lenses while the eyelid is infected.
The Immediate Answer: Contact Lens Safety During a Stye
You must immediately stop wearing contact lenses in the affected eye. Wearing a lens over an infected eyelid significantly increases the risk of transferring the bacterial infection directly onto the lens itself. This contaminated lens acts as a vector, spreading the Staphylococcus bacteria across the eye’s surface with every blink.
One serious complication of this transfer is the potential development of bacterial keratitis, an infection of the cornea. Keratitis is vision-threatening and requires aggressive medical treatment, unlike the relatively benign nature of most styes. The physical presence of the contact lens also increases friction against the already inflamed and swollen eyelid tissue. This mechanical irritation slows the stye’s healing process and causes additional discomfort.
Handling Contaminated Lenses and Supplies
Since the stye is a bacterial infection, any contact lenses worn immediately before or at the onset of symptoms are contaminated. If you wear daily disposable lenses, discard the pair immediately. For reusable lenses (two-week or monthly), the safest practice is to dispose of them as well, even if they are your current prescription.
The contact lens case and any remaining solution must also be treated as a source of potential re-infection. The case should be thoroughly cleaned and sterilized, or preferably, replaced entirely. When you resume wearing lenses, open a fresh, sealed pack of lenses and use a completely new bottle of disinfecting solution. This ensures no residual bacteria are introduced back into your eye.
Safe Stye Management and Treatment
While wearing glasses, implement home care strategies to help the stye resolve. The most effective treatment is applying a warm compress to the affected eyelid, which encourages the blocked gland to open and drain. Soak a clean cloth in warm (not hot) water, wring it out, and hold it gently against the closed eyelid for five to ten minutes, repeating this three to six times per day.
It is paramount to practice meticulous hand hygiene, washing your hands thoroughly before and after touching the eye area. Resist the urge to squeeze or attempt to pop the stye, as this action can push the infection deeper into the eyelid tissue or cause it to spread. Promptly seek medical attention from an eye care professional if the stye does not improve after 48 hours, if swelling or redness extends beyond the eyelid, or if your vision becomes affected.
Criteria for Resuming Contact Lens Use
Do not reintroduce contact lenses until the stye has completely resolved. The eyelid must be free from any residual swelling, redness, pain, or tenderness to the touch. This ensures the bacterial infection is fully cleared before placing a foreign object back onto the eye’s surface.
Once all symptoms have cleared, start with a brand-new pair of contact lenses, even if your previous pair was a multi-use lens. This new lens, combined with a fresh case and solution, acts as a safeguard against immediate re-infection. Consulting an optometrist or ophthalmologist for a final clearance check is the most prudent step before resuming your regular contact lens schedule.