A stye is a common, painful red lump that forms near the edge of the eyelid. It typically arises from a bacterial infection, most frequently Staphylococcus aureus, affecting an oil gland or eyelash follicle. This infection blocks the gland, causing swelling, redness, and tenderness. Understanding how to manage styes while wearing contact lenses is important for eye health.
Using Stye Eye Drops with Contacts: The Direct Answer
It is generally not recommended to use stye eye drops while wearing contact lenses. Eye care professionals advise removing contact lenses before applying any eye drops, especially medicated ones for styes. This ensures the medication effectively reaches the affected area and prevents potential complications. After applying drops, wait approximately 15 minutes before reinserting contact lenses.
Why Combining Isn’t Recommended
Ingredients in many eye drops, particularly preservatives like benzalkonium chloride (BAK), can interact negatively with contact lens materials. This can lead to preservative absorption by the lens, causing irritation, discomfort, or damage to the eye and the lens itself. Some eye drops, including those for redness relief, may contain oils or additives that adhere to contact lenses. This can result in cloudy vision or deposits, reducing medication effectiveness and potentially harboring bacteria. Contact lenses also act as a physical barrier, preventing active ingredients from fully reaching the stye.
Safe Stye Treatment for Contact Lens Wearers
If a stye develops, contact lens wearers should immediately remove their lenses and switch to glasses. This prevents lens contamination and avoids worsening the infection. Apply warm compresses to the affected eyelid for 5 to 10 minutes, several times a day; this encourages the stye to drain naturally. Gentle eyelid hygiene, such as cleaning with a mild cleanser like diluted baby shampoo, is also beneficial.
Avoid touching, squeezing, or attempting to pop the stye, as this can spread infection or worsen inflammation. Do not wear makeup until the stye has completely healed. If a stye does not improve within 48 hours, worsens, affects vision, or spreads, seek professional medical attention from an eye care provider.
Preventing Styes When Wearing Contacts
Maintaining strict contact lens hygiene helps prevent styes and other eye infections. Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling contact lenses, then dry them with a clean, lint-free towel. Adhere to the recommended replacement schedule for lenses and use fresh, appropriate cleaning and disinfecting solutions. Never use tap water or saliva to clean lenses, as these introduce harmful microorganisms.
Avoid sleeping in contact lenses unless approved by an eye care professional. Removing makeup thoroughly before bed and avoiding sharing eye makeup also reduces stye risk. Refrain from rubbing or touching the eyes, especially with unwashed hands, to minimize bacterial transfer.