A stye is a common bacterial infection of an eyelid oil gland. It typically manifests as a tender, red bump resembling a pimple on the eyelid’s edge. The answer to wearing contact lenses with a stye is no.
Why Wearing Contacts With a Stye is Risky
Wearing contact lenses when a stye is present can exacerbate the condition. Contact lenses, positioned directly on the eye’s surface, can rub against the inflamed stye, causing increased pain and swelling. This constant friction hinders the natural healing process, potentially prolonging the stye’s duration.
Furthermore, the bacteria responsible for the stye, often Staphylococcus aureus, can easily transfer from the infected eyelid to the contact lens. Once on the lens, these bacteria can spread to other parts of the eye or even to the uninfected eye, potentially causing a new infection. Trapping bacteria and debris under a contact lens also elevates the risk of more severe ocular infections, such as bacterial conjunctivitis or corneal ulcers. These secondary infections can be significantly more serious than a stye and may require extensive medical treatment.
Caring for Your Eyes and Stye
When a stye develops, switching from contact lenses to eyeglasses is a primary step to protect the eye and promote healing. Eyeglasses allow the eye to breathe and reduce irritation. Applying warm, moist compresses to the affected eyelid can also help alleviate discomfort and encourage the stye to drain naturally. This can be done by soaking a clean cloth in warm water, wringing it out, and holding it against the closed eyelid for 5 to 10 minutes, three to four times daily.
Maintaining rigorous eye hygiene is also important during this period. Avoid touching or rubbing the eyes, and wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after any interaction with the eye area. Do not squeeze or pop the stye, as this can spread the infection deeper into the eyelid tissue. Suspend all eye makeup, especially mascara and eyeliner, as these products can introduce further bacteria and clog eyelid glands, worsening the stye.
Resuming Contact Lens Wear
Resuming contact lens wear should only occur once the stye has fully resolved and the eye feels completely normal. This means there should be no remaining redness, swelling, tenderness, or discharge from the eyelid. Introducing lenses too soon can lead to a recurrence of the stye or other complications.
Discard any contact lenses and their cases that were in use when the stye developed. This precaution helps prevent reinfection from any bacteria that may have contaminated the lenses or case. Begin with a fresh, sterile pair of contact lenses. If the stye does not show signs of improvement, worsens, or if there are any concerns about the eye’s condition, consult an eye care professional before resuming contact lens use.