Red eyes when wearing contact lenses are a common concern. While often a minor irritation, redness can signal various issues, from simple discomfort to more serious underlying conditions. Understanding the cause helps determine if it’s routine irritation or something requiring professional attention. This article explores common reasons for contact lens-induced redness, potential serious causes, preventive measures, and when to seek advice from an eye care professional.
Primary Reasons for Redness
Dryness and dehydration are frequent causes of red eyes among contact lens wearers. Lenses can absorb moisture from the eye’s natural tear film, leading to a thinner film and accelerated evaporation. This disrupts the tear film, causing irritation, a gritty sensation, and redness.
A lack of oxygen, known as hypoxia, to the cornea is another factor. The cornea receives oxygen directly from the air. Contact lenses act as a barrier, reducing oxygen supply, which can cause the cornea to swell and lead to redness. Over-wearing lenses can exacerbate this oxygen deprivation.
Allergic reactions also contribute to eye redness. Individuals may develop sensitivities to the contact lens material, chemicals in solutions, or environmental allergens trapped under the lens. These reactions cause itching, irritation, and visible redness.
Irritation from deposits or solutions on the lenses can also lead to redness. Proteins and lipids from tears can accumulate on the lens surface, forming deposits that irritate the eye. Improper use of cleaning solutions, such as reusing old solution or sensitivity to preservatives, can cause irritation. Poorly fitted lenses can also rub against the eye, causing irritation.
Serious Underlying Causes
While many instances of red eyes are minor, some indicate serious medical conditions. Infections, such as keratitis or conjunctivitis, cause significant redness, pain, and discharge. These infections (bacterial, viral, or fungal) are often exacerbated by improper contact lens hygiene, extended wear, or sleeping in lenses not approved for overnight use. Keratitis, a corneal infection, can lead to scarring and vision loss if not treated promptly.
Corneal damage, including abrasions or ulcers, is another serious cause of redness. An abrasion is a scratch on the cornea’s surface, resulting from improper lens handling, ill-fitting lenses, or foreign bodies trapped beneath the lens. These are painful and provide an entry point for infection. A corneal ulcer, an open sore, typically develops from bacterial, viral, or fungal infections and can lead to severe vision impairment.
Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC) is an inflammatory condition characterized by small bumps on the inner surface of the upper eyelid. GPC often occurs due to chronic irritation from lens deposits or an allergic reaction to lens materials or solutions. Symptoms include significant redness, itching, increased mucus, and a feeling that the lens is sticking to the eyelid. If left unaddressed, GPC can damage eye tissue and the cornea.
Preventing Redness and Maintaining Eye Health
Proper hygiene is important for preventing red eyes and maintaining overall eye health when wearing contact lenses. Always wash and thoroughly dry hands before handling lenses to avoid introducing germs. Lenses and cases should be cleaned and disinfected according to manufacturer instructions, using fresh solution daily. Cases should be replaced every one to three months. Never use tap water to rinse lenses or cases, as it contains microorganisms that can cause severe infections.
Adhering to recommended wearing schedules is also important. Each type of contact lens is designed for a specific duration of wear. Over-wearing lenses beyond their recommended lifespan can lead to deposit buildup, reduced oxygen flow, and increased risk of irritation and infection. Sleeping in lenses not approved for overnight wear significantly raises the risk of complications.
Choosing the right lenses and solutions, in consultation with an eye care professional, can also help prevent redness. Lenses with high oxygen permeability, such as silicone hydrogel lenses, allow more oxygen to reach the cornea, reducing the risk of hypoxia-related redness. For individuals prone to dryness, solutions with moisturizing agents or preservative-free options may be beneficial. An eye doctor can recommend the most suitable lens material, fit, and solution for individual eye needs.
Taking breaks from lens wear and using appropriate re-wetting drops can alleviate dryness and irritation. Giving eyes a rest from lenses, especially during long days or when experiencing discomfort, allows the eyes to recover. Over-the-counter re-wetting drops, specifically designed for contact lens wearers, can help maintain moisture and comfort. Regular eye exams with an optometrist or ophthalmologist are important for monitoring eye health, assessing lens fit, and detecting any early signs of complications.
When to Consult an Eye Care Professional
Seeking professional advice is important if certain symptoms accompany eye redness while wearing contact lenses. Persistent redness that does not improve after removing lenses or within a few hours warrants an immediate visit to an eye care professional. This could indicate a serious underlying issue requiring timely intervention.
Any significant eye pain, stinging, or foreign body sensation should also prompt professional evaluation. These symptoms, especially if severe or worsening, can be signs of infection, corneal damage, or inflammation needing prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Vision changes, such as blurry vision, increased light sensitivity (photophobia), or decreased vision, are serious warning signs. These visual disturbances can indicate corneal involvement or other conditions that could affect long-term vision if left untreated.
The presence of unusual discharge from the eye, such as pus or excessive tearing, necessitates professional medical attention. Similarly, swelling of the eyelids or around the eye should be evaluated by an eye care specialist. These signs often point to an infection or inflammatory process requiring specific medical treatment.