Eye redness is a common and often concerning experience for contact lens wearers. This redness signals that the eye is reacting to something, from minor irritation to more serious underlying conditions. Understanding the various reasons behind this phenomenon is important for maintaining eye health and comfort while using contact lenses.
Everyday Reasons for Redness
Insufficient lubrication, or dry eyes, is a primary cause of redness with contact lenses. Lenses can absorb the natural tear film, reducing moisture on the eye’s surface and causing irritation. Environmental factors like dust, pollen, or smoke can also adhere to lenses, introducing foreign particles that irritate the eye.
Overwearing contact lenses or using them past their replacement schedule is another common culprit. This practice can deprive the cornea of sufficient oxygen, leading to irritation and redness. Lenses that are not cleaned and stored properly can accumulate protein and lipid deposits from tears, as well as bacteria, which can then irritate the eye and cause redness.
Mild allergic reactions to lens material or solution preservatives can cause redness, itching, and discomfort. Ill-fitting lenses, whether too tight or too loose, can cause friction or move excessively with blinking, leading to irritation. A defective or torn lens can also scratch the cornea, resulting in discomfort and redness.
More Serious Causes to Consider
While many instances of red eyes with contact lenses stem from common irritations, some serious conditions warrant immediate attention. Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, known as microbial keratitis, are serious concerns. These infections involve corneal inflammation and can lead to severe vision impairment or, in rare cases, blindness if left untreated.
Corneal ulcers or abrasions, which are open sores or scratches on the eye’s outer layer, can cause severe redness and pain. These develop from improper lens wear, overwear, or injury. Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC), a severe allergic response, results from chronic irritation from lenses or deposits. This condition can make lens wear uncomfortable and cause significant redness.
Acanthamoeba keratitis, a rare parasitic infection, is linked to contact lenses exposed to contaminated water sources like tap water. This infection is painful, difficult to treat, and can lead to permanent vision loss. These serious conditions often present with symptoms beyond redness, such as pain, blurred vision, or discharge.
Immediate Steps and Professional Guidance
When eye redness occurs with contact lenses, immediately remove them. Do not reinsert them until the cause of the redness is identified and resolved. Observe any accompanying symptoms, such as pain, unusual discharge, changes in vision, or increased sensitivity to light.
Contact an eye care professional if redness persists, or if you experience pain, blurred vision, discharge, a foreign body sensation, or light sensitivity. These symptoms can indicate a serious underlying issue requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment. Self-treating serious eye symptoms can lead to worsening conditions and permanent damage. Your eye care provider can perform a thorough examination to determine the cause of redness and recommend the appropriate course of action.
Keeping Your Eyes Clear and Healthy
Preventative measures are key to minimizing eye redness and maintaining healthy contact lens wear. Strict adherence to hygiene is important, including washing hands before handling lenses and using only fresh, recommended cleaning solutions. Replace contact lens cases regularly, at least every three months.
Follow recommended wear schedules and replacement guidelines to prevent deposit buildup and oxygen deprivation. Unless approved by an eye care professional for extended wear, never sleep in contact lenses, as this significantly increases the risk of serious eye infections due to reduced oxygen flow. Regular, comprehensive eye examinations are necessary to ensure proper lens fit and monitor overall eye health. Using rewetting drops designed for contact lenses can help alleviate dryness and discomfort. Never use tap water or saliva to clean or store contact lenses, as these can introduce harmful microorganisms to the eye.