Eye care

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. 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? 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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Contact lenses are a convenient alternative to glasses and have become more popular in recent years. While some people almost exclusively wear them, others alternate between their specs and contacts depending on the occasion or day. Part of wearing contact lenses is making sure you’re maintaining good hygiene which includes correct handling, cleaning, and storing of your contacts. It’s also important to clean your contact lens case regularly. Read on to learn more about why cleaning your contact lenses correctly is important and how to go about it. How to clean contact lenses: step-by-step guide Washing your hands, cleaning your lenses, rinsing them, and storing them correctly in disinfecting solution are all important steps to follow. They help to ensure you’re not introducing bacteria or debris to your eyes which can lead to infections or damage to your cornea with potential permanent side effects. It also helps to make sure your lenses themselves do now become damaged or dry out which can cause irritation and discomfort. The exact steps you need to follow may differ depending on your exact type of lens so make sure you’re following the instructions that your optician or contact lens manufacturer gives you. Step 1: Wash your hands The first step to cleaning your contact lenses is to wash your hands well. Good hand hygiene can help to minimise the risk of introducing bacteria and dirt or debris to your eyes, which can cause irritation, infection, and scratches. Use soap and warm water to thoroughly clean your hands for at least 20 seconds before drying with a lint-free towel or air dry. Avoid using scented or moisturising soaps that could leave a residue as this can transfer to your lenses. If you wear make up, it’s important that you remove and clean your lenses before removing your makeup to ensure you’re not rubbing your eyes or introducing makeup particles into your eyes or lenses. Step 2: Fill Your contact lens case Make sure your contact lens case is clean and dry before filling it with solution. Using a fresh, sterile contact lens solution (not water or saliva), fill the lens case with enough solution to cover the lenses. Don’t put them in the case just yet though. Step 3: Clean the lenses Remove one lens and place it in the palm of your hand. Apply a few drops of your cleaning solution and gently rub in a circular motion for 10-15 seconds. This helps to clean away any bacteria and dust that may have accumulated over the day so you’re not introducing the same germs back into your eye the next time you wear them. Repeat for the other lens. Step 4: Rinse the lens Rinse each lens thoroughly with your contact lens solution and make sure there’s none left on the lenses before storing them in the case. Rinsing helps to further remove any debris or residue and make sure your lenses are clean and ready to wear again. Step 5: Store in the disinfecting solution Place each cleaned lens into the lens case that you’ve filled with contact lens storing or disinfecting solution. Storing them this way ensures they stay hydrated and don’t dry out. Make sure if you have different prescriptions on each eye that you’re storing them in the correct side of your case – each compartment should be labelled ‘L’ for left and ‘R’ for right. Securely close the lids to prevent contamination. How to clean rigid gas permeable contact lenses Cleaning gas permeable contact lenses is a similar process to other types but requires specialised cleaning solutions which you can buy at most pharmacies. Additionally, because of their rigid nature, you will also need to take extra care in cleaning and storing them. How to clean and store gas permeable contact lenses: Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling your lenses. Remove the contact lens from your eye and gently rub with the cleaning solution for around 20 seconds. Fill your case with your wetting or disinfecting solution. Rinse the cleaner from your lens with a conditioning or saline solution (not tap water), if you use a daily solution. Gently place your clean lenses into the case. Allow to rest overnight or as long as is recommended by the manufacturer or your optician. How often should contact lenses be cleaned? Daily disposable lenses do not need cleaning as they are single use. For lenses worn repeatedly (for example a monthly disposable contact lens), you need to make sure you are cleaning them each day. For extended wear (as some types can be worn for multiple days at a time) cleaning them every few days is recommended. It’s also a good idea to remove and clean your lenses if they feel uncomfortable or become cloudy or irritating for your eyes. However, these are just general recommendations and it’s important to follow instructions provided by your opticians or lens manufacturer for best results. Learn how to choose the right contact lenses that fit your lifestyle While looking after your contact lenses is an easy addition to your evening routine, it’s not for everyone. Which is why there are multiple different types of contact lenses available – from daily disposables to ones designed to be worn for multiple days without needing to remove them. If you’re considering looking into getting contact lenses, or just want a change, we can help you choose the right contact lenses that fit your lifestyle. Book your contact lens consultation today Find a Leightons branch near you