Conjunctivitis and contact lenses: what you need to know

If you’re a contact lens wearer and have, unfortunately, contracted conjunctivitis, you may be wondering the best ways to handle the situation. Do you wear your contact lenses like normal? Or should you stop wearing them completely while the infection clears? While the severity of the cases may vary, it’s important to know and understand the proper care to take to maintain your eye health.

Here, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about conjunctivitis and contact lenses.

What is conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis, sometimes referred to as ‘pink eye’, is a common eye condition that causes pain and inflammation of the conjunctiva (the clear tissue layer over the inside of the lids and white of the eye). The infection can be caused by a variety of things, including:

  • Viruses
  • Bacteria
  • Allergies
  • Irritants

Conjunctivitis can either affect one or both eyes, causing them to look red and irritated. Depending on the type of infection, it may also be contagious, which could prolong the symptoms if you wear contact lenses.

What are the symptoms of conjunctivitis?

The most common symptoms of conjunctivitis include:

  • Itchy eyes
  • Irritation and/or burning
  • Pink or red colour in the white of one or both eyes
  • Puffy or swollen eye
  • Increased tear production
  • Discharge from the eye
  • Crusted eyelids or lashes (especially in the morning)
  • Contact lenses that feel uncomfortable or do not stay in place

It’s important to note that an allergic reaction to contact lenses can cause similar symptoms, such as itching and burning, watery eyes, minor swelling and discomfort. If you are wearing new contact lenses and suffering from these symptoms, it’s best to stop wearing them until you can speak to your optometrist or GP to identify the cause.

Can contact lenses cause conjunctivitis?

Contact lenses do not directly cause conjunctivitis. However, poor hygiene, such as not keeping the lenses clean, wearing expired lenses, sharing the lenses or the lens case with others, or over-wearing them, can all lead to bacteria building up, resulting in an increased risk of conjunctivitis.

A young woman carefully inserting a contact lens into her eye.

The type of contact lenses you choose may also increase the risk of infection, as not all eyes are suitable for all types of lenses. For example, extended-wear lenses, which are designed for continuous wear, carry higher risks for infection. Before deciding on a lens, ensure you speak to your optician, mention any concerns about infections, and undertake a thorough eye examination.

Can I wear contact lenses if I have conjunctivitis?

Contact lenses should not be worn if you have conjunctivitis. Since contact lenses rest on the surface of your eyes, they will continuously interact with the infection, which can worsen your symptoms and take longer to heal. The contact lens case may also become contaminated, spreading the infection to both eyes.

Occasionally, contact lenses may irritate your eye, so it’s always best to remove them and wear glasses whenever you experience any issues to prevent further problems. Only wear your contact lenses again once your optometrist has advised it is safe to do so.

Treatment options for conjunctivitis in contact lens wearers

Generally, conjunctivitis will clear up within 2-3 weeks with or without treatment, depending on the cause of the infection.

For viral infections, your pharmacy will carry a variety of different eye drops to help soothe symptoms and can advise you on the right ones. In the meantime, to help you feel more comfortable, you can try using cool compresses with a soft, clean cloth or cotton pad to reduce itching and swelling.

If the infection is due to an allergy, regular use of antihistamines can help to clear it. If the symptoms persist, consult your optometrist, who can recommend treatment and the next steps. Bacterial infections often require antibiotic eye drops, such as Chloramphenicol, which your optometrist can prescribe.

If you believe you have conjunctivitis, it’s important to speak to your optometrist, GP or pharmacist right away, as they will be able to diagnose the type of infection and put you on the right treatment plan to clear the infection as quickly as possible.

How to reduce your chances of getting conjunctivitis?

A woman experiencing eye irritation and discomfort after wearing a new pair of contact lenses.

Wearing contact lenses regularly can increase your chance of getting conjunctivitis and other eye infections, but there are preventative steps you can take.

  • Don’t wear contact lenses longer than recommended
  • Discard expired contact lenses
  • Ensure the contact lens solution and case are replaced when recommended
  • Leave your case to air dry in a clean sterile area
  • Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes
  • Wash your hands with warm, soapy water prior to touching your lenses
  • Avoid sharing tools and washcloths with others
  • Wash pillowcases regularly
  • If you have conjunctivitis, avoid wearing eye makeup so you don’t contaminate your lenses or makeup products.
  • Clean your contact lenses regularly and store them correctly.

Although a common and easily treated condition, conjunctivitis can be uncomfortable for 2-3 weeks. It’s recommended to wear glasses rather than contact lenses until your symptoms have disappeared to prevent the infection from spreading. While you can get an infection from contact lenses, it’s important to follow the proper care advice and keep on top of good eye hygiene to reduce the risks of contracting it.

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