A stye is a common eye condition that causes a painful, red bump to form near the edge of the eyelid. This small lump resembles a pimple and is typically the result of a bacterial infection. While contact lenses do not directly cause the infection, the habits associated with their use can significantly increase the risk of stye formation. This article examines the relationship between contact lenses and styes, focusing on the underlying biology and prevention.
Understanding Stye Formation
A stye develops when one of the tiny oil glands or hair follicles along the eyelid margin becomes blocked and infected with bacteria. The most common culprit is Staphylococcus bacteria, which naturally lives on the skin. These glands, such as the Meibomian glands, produce oils that lubricate the eye and prevent tear evaporation. When a blockage occurs, the trapped oil allows bacteria to multiply, leading to inflammation and pus formation, resulting in a red, swollen, and tender bump. Styes can form externally at the base of an eyelash follicle or internally within the Meibomian glands.
Symptoms commonly include localized swelling, pain when touching the eyelid, and sometimes a gritty feeling. Though usually harmless, styes indicate a disruption in the eyelid environment.
How Contact Lenses Influence Stye Risk
Contact lenses themselves do not harbor the bacteria that cause styes, but the process of handling them creates opportunities for bacterial transfer. The primary way lenses increase risk is by introducing bacteria directly to the eyelid margin.
Handling lenses with unwashed hands is the most direct route for transferring Staphylococcus and other microbes from the skin to the lens and subsequently to the eye. This repeated transfer contaminates the area surrounding the oil glands. Furthermore, the insertion and removal process requires touching the eyelid, which can physically push bacteria into the openings of the oil glands.
Poorly maintained lenses also contribute to stye risk by causing irritation and micro-trauma. Lenses that are dirty, improperly fitted, or worn past their recommended lifespan accumulate deposits that can trigger inflammation or contribute to the physical blockage of the oil glands.
The friction from a dirty or ill-fitting lens rubbing against the eyelid margin can cause minor breaks in the skin’s barrier, allowing bacteria easier access to the follicles and glands. Overwearing lenses, especially sleeping in them when not designed for overnight use, exacerbates irritation and promotes bacterial growth near the lid margin.
Essential Hygiene Practices for Prevention
Preventing styes while wearing contact lenses relies heavily on hygiene to minimize bacterial exposure and gland blockage. Hands must be thoroughly washed with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and completely dried before touching the lenses or eyes.
Use only fresh, sterile contact lens solution for cleaning and storage. Never top off old solution or substitute with tap water or saliva, as tap water contains microorganisms and used solution loses its disinfecting efficacy.
Adhering strictly to the lens replacement schedule reduces deposit buildup on the lens surface. Daily disposable lenses offer the lowest risk because they eliminate the need for cleaning and storage, ensuring a fresh, sterile lens is used every time.
The lens storage case is a common source of contamination and requires regular cleaning and replacement, typically every three months. Never sleep in contact lenses unless approved for extended wear, as sleeping reduces oxygen flow and increases the risk of infection.
Wearing Contacts During a Stye
If a stye develops, contact lens use must be discontinued immediately to prevent further irritation and the spread of infection. Continuing to wear lenses will make the stye more uncomfortable because the lens rubs against the swollen eyelid.
Bacteria from the stye can easily transfer onto the contact lens, which then acts as a vehicle to spread the infection across the eye or to the other eye. This contamination can lead to more serious conditions, such as bacterial keratitis, or significantly delay healing.
Patients should switch to wearing glasses until the stye has completely healed and all symptoms have fully subsided. During this time, applying a clean, warm compress to the affected eyelid several times a day can help the stye drain and resolve.
Any contact lenses worn during the onset of the stye, along with the lens case and solution used, should be discarded to avoid reintroducing bacteria. When resuming lens wear, a brand-new, sterile pair must be used to ensure eye safety.