Pink eye, medically known as conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear tissue layer covering the white part of the eye and lining the inner eyelid. When irritated or infected, small blood vessels become visible, giving the eye its characteristic pink or red appearance. You should not wear contact lenses with pink eye; lenses must be removed immediately upon noticing any symptoms. This is necessary regardless of whether the cause is bacterial, viral, or allergic. Conjunctivitis causes symptoms like redness, itching, discharge, and a gritty feeling, making contact lens wear uncomfortable.
Why Contacts Must Be Removed Immediately
Wearing contact lenses while the eye is infected or inflamed traps infectious agents like bacteria or viruses directly against the eye’s surface. The lens acts as a physical barrier, promoting pathogen growth and intensifying the infection.
Lenses also reduce the amount of oxygen reaching the cornea, known as hypoxia. While manageable for a healthy eye, reduced oxygen slows the natural healing process and worsens inflammation in an infected eye. Furthermore, the mechanical friction of the lens causes damage to the delicate outer layer of the eye, irritating the conjunctiva and cornea.
The most serious concern is the heightened risk of developing microbial keratitis, a vision-threatening infection of the cornea. Contact lens use is the most significant risk factor for this complication. The lens allows pathogens, particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa, to bind more readily to the corneal surface, which can lead to a painful corneal ulcer. In severe cases, this condition can result in permanent vision loss or require a corneal transplant.
Continuing to wear the same lenses risks spreading the infection to the other eye or causing a reinfection after symptoms subside. Ignoring symptoms and continuing to wear contacts can turn a common, usually self-limiting infection into a medical emergency.
Proper Handling of Contaminated Lenses and Cases
Once pink eye symptoms appear, contact lenses and any accessories that have touched the eye must be dealt with to prevent reinfection. Daily disposable lenses must be discarded immediately after removal. Attempting to clean and reuse these single-use lenses is unsafe and risks harboring infectious microbes.
For non-disposable lenses, professional guidance is required. While intensive disinfection may be suggested, the safest approach is often to replace them entirely. Bacteria can survive on lens surfaces for an extended period, making complete sterilization difficult.
The contact lens case and any solution used during the infection are sources of recontamination. Cases can harbor biofilms of pathogens. Therefore, the case, along with any open bottles of contact lens solution or eye drops used during the infection, must be thrown away. Starting fresh with a new case and solution ensures these items do not carry infectious residue that could trigger a relapse.
When It Is Safe to Resume Wearing Contacts
Resuming contact lens wear requires ensuring the infection is completely gone. The eye must be entirely free of all symptoms, including redness, discharge, itching, and discomfort, before lenses are reintroduced. For bacterial conjunctivitis, this recovery period must extend at least 24 to 48 hours after the prescribed course of antibiotic medication has been fully completed.
An eye care specialist must provide clearance before returning to wearing contacts. They will examine the eye to confirm the conjunctiva is no longer inflamed and the cornea is healthy. A full examination is necessary to rule out lingering inflammation or potential microscopic damage, even if the eye looks and feels better.
When the specialist gives clearance, you must begin with a new pair of contact lenses and a new lens case. Reusing previously worn lenses or the old case can reintroduce residual pathogens, a common cause of recurrent conjunctivitis. Starting with fresh supplies and following strict hygiene practices is necessary for safely returning to contact lens wear.