A stye (hordeolum) is a common, painful eye condition that develops as a red, tender lump on the edge of the eyelid. This swelling is caused by a bacterial infection, usually Staphylococcus aureus, which infects an oil gland or hair follicle at the base of an eyelash. This infection immediately raises the question of whether contact lenses can still be worn.
Why Wearing Contacts With a Stye is Unsafe
Wearing contact lenses when a stye is active is strongly discouraged because the lens itself can become a vector for bacterial spread and intensify the infection. The contact lens sits directly on the eye’s surface, acting as a physical transfer agent that can pick up the Staphylococcus bacteria from the infected eyelid margin. This contaminated lens then spreads the bacteria across the cornea and conjunctiva with every blink and movement.
The primary danger is the development of a more serious secondary infection, such as bacterial conjunctivitis or a severe corneal infection called keratitis. Keratitis can threaten vision and requires immediate medical attention. Furthermore, the lens causes friction against the swollen tissue, increasing irritation and slowing the natural healing process.
It is essential to assume that any lenses in use when the stye appeared are contaminated. Daily disposable lenses must be immediately discarded. Reusable lenses (two-week or monthly wear) must also be disposed of, and the contact lens case and solution that were in use should be replaced with new, sterile products.
Treating the Stye Without Lenses
The first step in managing a stye is to switch immediately to wearing glasses and abstain from contact lenses to allow the eye to heal. The most effective at-home treatment involves applying a warm compress to the affected eyelid. This moist heat works by liquefying the contents within the blocked gland, encouraging the stye to rupture and drain naturally.
A clean washcloth soaked in warm (not hot) water, wrung out to be damp, should be placed on the closed eye for 5 to 10 minutes. This process should be repeated three to six times a day until the stye resolves. Maintaining strict eyelid hygiene is also beneficial, which includes gently cleaning the area with a mild, non-irritating cleanser, like diluted baby shampoo, to remove debris that may clog the glands.
Most styes heal within a week or two with consistent home care, but professional medical attention is sometimes necessary. Consult an optometrist or ophthalmologist if the stye grows rapidly, affects your vision, or if swelling and pain do not improve within 48 hours of starting home treatment. Seek care if the redness and swelling spread beyond the eyelid into the cheek or surrounding facial tissue.
Criteria for Resuming Contact Lens Use
You must wait until the stye has completely resolved before reintroducing contact lenses to avoid recurrence. Complete resolution means there is no remaining swelling, redness, tenderness, or discomfort in the eyelid. Wait until the eyelid returns entirely to its normal, healthy appearance.
When ready to resume, you must use a completely fresh set of supplies. This includes a brand new pair of contact lenses and a new, clean lens storage case. If you wear soft lenses, use a new pair, even if the old ones were recently opened.
The transition back to lenses should be gradual, starting with shorter wearing times to ensure the eye tolerates the lens comfortably. If any irritation, redness, or discomfort returns, the lenses should be removed immediately. Consulting with your eye care professional before reinsertion is the safest measure to confirm the eye is fully healed and ready for lens wear.