Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, describes the inflammation of the conjunctiva, a clear membrane covering the white part of your eye and the inside of your eyelid. This condition often results in the eye appearing reddish or pink, and it can be caused by viral or bacterial infections, or even allergens or irritants. When you experience pink eye, especially as a contact lens wearer, understanding the implications and appropriate actions is important for your eye health.
Potential Eye Complications
Wearing contact lenses when you have pink eye can worsen the condition and lead to serious eye problems. Contact lenses can trap infectious agents against the eye, creating an environment that encourages infection to thrive. This can exacerbate inflammation and prolong the infection, making it harder for your eye to heal.
Continued contact lens use with pink eye elevates the risk of developing severe complications such as keratitis, an inflammation of the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped front surface of your eye. Microbial keratitis can lead to painful corneal ulcers. These ulcers, if left untreated, can result in corneal scarring, permanent vision impairment, or even require a corneal transplant. Friction between the contact lens and the inflamed conjunctiva also increases discomfort and irritation, further impeding healing.
Essential Immediate Actions
If you suspect pink eye while wearing contact lenses, immediately remove your contact lenses. Switch to glasses to prevent further irritation and allow your eyes to heal. Discard the contact lenses you were wearing, as they are likely contaminated.
Also, discard the contact lens case and any solution used during the infection. These items can harbor microorganisms, posing a risk of reinfection. Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after handling lenses or touching your eyes. This helps prevent spreading the infection to your other eye or to others.
When Professional Medical Care is Needed
While some pink eye cases resolve on their own, contact lens wearers should seek medical attention promptly, especially if symptoms persist or worsen. An immediate doctor’s visit is warranted if you experience severe eye pain, significant vision changes such as blurriness, or increased sensitivity to light. Intense redness that does not improve, or a thick, crusting discharge, also signals the need for medical evaluation.
If your pink eye is accompanied by systemic symptoms like fever or body aches, or if you have a weakened immune system, consulting a healthcare provider is important. A medical professional can diagnose the type of pink eye (bacterial, viral, or allergic) and prescribe appropriate treatment, which may include antibiotic eye drops for bacterial infections. They can also advise when it is safe to resume contact lens wear, after symptoms have completely cleared and any prescribed medications are finished.
Preventing Future Eye Infections
Proper contact lens hygiene minimizes the risk of future eye infections, including pink eye. Always wash and dry your hands with a lint-free towel before handling contact lenses. Use fresh contact lens solution each time you clean and store lenses; never reuse or “top off” old solution.
Adhere to the recommended replacement schedule (daily, bi-weekly, or monthly) to prevent microbe-harboring deposits. Avoid sleeping in your contact lenses unless they are specifically designed for overnight wear, as this can increase the risk of infection. Regularly replace your contact lens case, ideally every one to three months, and clean it with fresh solution before allowing it to air dry. Never share contact lenses, and avoid wearing them when your eyes are irritated or red.