A stye (hordeolum) is a common bacterial infection appearing as a red, tender bump on the eyelid, usually near the lash line. This localized inflammation occurs when an oil gland in the eyelid, typically a meibomian or Zeis gland, becomes blocked and infected. For contact lens wearers, a stye requires the immediate removal of all lenses. Resuming wear too early risks reintroducing bacteria to a vulnerable environment, making necessary precautions paramount to safely returning to lens use.
Understanding the Stye and the Risk
A stye is primarily caused by Staphylococcus bacteria, which commonly reside on the skin and can easily be introduced to the sensitive tissues of the eye. This infection leads to a painful, pus-filled abscess that can swell the entire eyelid.
Since contact lenses sit directly on the cornea, wearing them during an active infection poses significant health hazards. The presence of a lens can create friction against the swollen eyelid, intensifying the pain and irritation, which delays the natural healing process.
The lens can also become a vehicle for bacterial transfer. The lens material can trap the stye-causing bacteria against the surface of the eye, promoting the spread of infection to the cornea itself. This can lead to serious conditions, such as bacterial keratitis, a corneal infection that may result in permanent vision impairment.
The Contact Lens Waiting Period
The fundamental rule for contact lens wearers is to discontinue use in both eyes immediately upon noticing any symptoms of a stye. Contact lenses cannot be reintroduced until the stye is fully resolved. This means the eyelid must show no residual swelling, tenderness, redness, or discharge for a minimum of 24 to 48 hours.
Resuming wear prematurely risks contaminating a fresh lens with lingering bacteria or irritating the recently healed tissue. The typical healing time for a stye is often one to two weeks, and during this entire period, only glasses should be worn.
If the stye was particularly severe, required prescription antibiotic drops or ointment, or involved draining the abscess, waiting for explicit clearance from an eye care specialist is the safest course of action. Attempting to wear a lens before the infection is fully cleared can re-contaminate the lens and trigger an immediate recurrence of the inflammation. The final, symptom-free 48-hour window serves as a necessary buffer to ensure all infectious agents are gone.
Essential Hygiene Steps for Contact Lens Wearers
The contact lens worn in the infected eye at the time the stye developed must be immediately discarded to prevent re-infection. Even if the other eye appears unaffected, the lens used in that eye should also be disposed of to eliminate any possibility of cross-contamination. Bacteria can transfer easily during the handling process, making it prudent to treat both lenses as compromised.
To ensure a sterile environment upon resuming wear, several items must be discarded and replaced:
- The contact lens case and any remaining solution.
- Any contact solution used during the infection period, as the bottle tip may have been inadvertently contaminated.
- All eye makeup, especially products that directly contact the lash line (mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadows).
The applicators and formulas of these products can harbor Staphylococcus bacteria from the stye and cause an immediate re-infection. Replacing makeup products used during the infection ensures you are not reintroducing the bacteria to your eyelid.
Preventing Future Ocular Infections
A long-term habit for reducing the risk of future ocular infections is meticulous hand washing with soap and water before touching lenses or eyes. After washing, hands should be dried completely with a clean, lint-free towel, as water can introduce various microorganisms to the contact lens surface.
Always adhere to the specific cleaning regimen recommended by your eye care professional, which involves the “rub and rinse” method for reusable lenses. This physical rubbing action is effective at dislodging deposits and bacteria from the lens surface before they are rinsed with fresh disinfecting solution.
Never attempt to “top off” old solution with new solution; the case must be emptied and filled with fresh solution every single time lenses are stored. To maintain a sterile environment, the contact lens storage case itself must be replaced at least once every three months. Lenses should always be removed before sleeping, showering, or swimming, unless specifically approved for extended wear by a doctor.