A stye (hordeolum) is a common infection along the eyelid, appearing as a painful, red bump. It is typically caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria infecting the eyelid’s oil glands. Contact lenses pose a significant risk because they can become contaminated and transfer bacteria to the eye or eyelid tissues. Wearing a lens during an active infection allows it to act as a reservoir, potentially causing a persistent or recurring stye.
Handling Lenses Worn During Infection
The moment a stye is diagnosed or suspected, stop wearing contact lenses entirely. Continuing to wear them risks pushing bacterial contamination deeper into the eye or surrounding tissues. The decision of what to do with the lenses depends entirely on the type of lens you use.
For daily, weekly, or bi-weekly disposable lenses, the only safe action is to discard them immediately. These lenses are designed for limited use, and their material structure makes them difficult to sterilize effectively once contaminated with a bacterial biofilm. Any unused disposable lenses stored in the same case or blister pack should also be thrown away to eliminate cross-contamination.
If you wear traditional extended-wear or reusable lenses, they may be salvageable, despite the financial investment. The safest approach is always to discard and replace them, but if you choose to keep them, they must undergo a rigorous, multi-step sterilization process. The lens storage case that held the contaminated lens must be replaced with a brand-new one. Plastic lens cases are difficult to fully sterilize, and microscopic scratches can harbor bacteria, making re-infection probable.
Deep Cleaning and Disinfection Steps
Salvaging reusable lenses after a stye requires cleaning protocols that go far beyond the standard daily routine. The first step involves mechanical cleaning: physically rubbing the lens in the palm of your hand with several drops of fresh multipurpose solution. This “rub” step must be performed for at least 20 seconds on each side, even with “no-rub” formulas, because it physically breaks up the bacterial biofilm.
After the mechanical rub, rinse the lens thoroughly with fresh solution to wash away debris and bacteria. For effective sterilization against robust bacteria like Staphylococcus, a 3% hydrogen peroxide cleaning system is strongly recommended. These systems generate a powerful chemical reaction that breaks down bacterial cell walls and neutralizes organisms.
Lenses must be placed into the dedicated peroxide case and allowed to soak for the full required neutralization cycle, typically six hours or more. If using a multipurpose solution, use a brand new lens case and fresh solution for this disinfection cycle. Allow the lenses to soak for the maximum duration recommended by the manufacturer, often at least eight hours. Using a new case and solution is necessary to prevent lingering bacteria from re-contaminating the lens.
Safe Timing for Resuming Wear
Resuming contact lens use is only safe once the eye has completely healed. The criteria for resuming wear are that the stye must be entirely resolved, meaning there should be no residual redness, swelling, tenderness, or pain. This healing process typically takes between one to two weeks, depending on the severity of the initial infection.
It is necessary to obtain clearance from an eye care professional before putting any lens back into your eye. They can examine the eyelid and eye surface to ensure all inflammation has subsided and that the underlying oil glands are functioning normally. Beginning to wear lenses too soon can irritate the still-healing tissues and provoke a swift recurrence of the stye.
When your eye care provider gives approval, start with a fresh pair of daily disposable lenses for the first few days. This provides a clean slate and minimizes the risk of introducing lingering contaminants. To prevent future infections, strict hygiene practices must be maintained:
- Always wash hands with soap and water before handling lenses.
- Never sleep in any type of lens.
- Replace your lens solution daily.
- Replace your lens case every three months to prevent the accumulation of biofilm and bacteria.