Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is a highly contagious inflammation of the transparent membrane covering the eye and inner eyelid. The infection, caused by viruses or bacteria, leaves behind pathogens that contaminate contact lenses and storage equipment. Proper disinfection is necessary to prevent re-infection after the eye clears. Before cleaning, you must determine if your lenses can be salvaged or if they must be discarded immediately.
Immediate Steps: When to Discard Lenses
The safest rule for contact lens wearers after pink eye is to discard any lenses used when the infection started. All disposable lenses, including daily, two-week, or monthly replacement soft lenses, should be thrown away immediately. These soft, porous materials can harbor infectious agents, making them difficult to sterilize completely. Attempting to save these lenses carries a high risk of reintroducing the infection.
This mandatory disposal applies to any soft lens worn during the active infection period. The risk of residual contamination outweighs the cost of replacement. In contrast, rigid gas permeable (RGP) or hard contact lenses are non-porous and can often be safely disinfected. Discarding the lenses ensures you start your recovery with a clean slate.
Deep Cleaning Reusable Contact Lenses
For reusable lenses, such as RGP or hard lenses, a rigorous deep cleaning process is necessary. Standard multi-purpose solutions are often insufficient to eliminate the pathogens left by a pink eye infection. A more powerful cleaning agent is needed to ensure sterilization.
Hydrogen peroxide-based systems are used for deep disinfection due to their strong oxidizing properties, which break down microbial biofilms and proteins more effectively. These systems utilize a three percent hydrogen peroxide solution, which is toxic to pathogens but must be neutralized before the lens can be worn safely. The cleaning process begins with a thorough “rub and rinse” using the peroxide solution before placing it into the specialized case.
The dedicated case contains a catalytic disc, typically made of platinum, which slowly converts the hydrogen peroxide into a harmless saline solution over several hours. Lenses must soak undisturbed for a minimum of six hours, or overnight, to ensure the full neutralization cycle is complete. Removing the lenses prematurely will result in severe stinging and burning if inserted into the eye. After neutralization, the used solution must be discarded and should never be reused or topped off.
Sanitizing the Case and Equipment
The contact lens case is a significant source of re-infection, as it can harbor pathogens from infected lenses and eye discharge. The simplest action is to discard the old case immediately and replace it with a brand-new one. If discarding is not an option, the case requires intense sterilization.
Sterilizing the Case
You can boil the empty case in fresh water for five to ten minutes to kill any remaining infectious agents. After boiling, the case must air-dry completely, placed upside down on a clean paper towel. Never use tap water to rinse or store the case, as it can introduce harmful microorganisms like Acanthamoeba.
Furthermore, any solution bottles that were open and used during the infection should be replaced entirely.
Waiting Period Before Resuming Wear
The timeline for safely resuming contact lens wear is determined by the complete resolution of the infection and clearance from a medical professional. You must remain completely symptom-free for at least 24 hours before considering reintroducing contacts. Symptoms that must be entirely gone include redness, discharge, irritation, and a gritty sensation.
Prematurely wearing contacts risks immediate re-infection because the eye’s natural defenses may still be compromised. For viral conjunctivitis, the waiting period might be longer, sometimes up to one or two weeks, as the virus can shed for an extended time. Consulting your eye care provider is necessary to confirm the infection is fully resolved and that your eye surface is healthy enough to support lens wear again.