Can You Wear Contacts with an Eye Infection?

Eye infections can occur for a variety of reasons, from bacteria to viruses, or even fungal infections. They often cause discomfort, redness, swelling, and irritation. For individuals who wear contact lenses, the question of whether it’s safe to continue wearing them during an eye infection is an important one. While the convenience and comfort of contact lenses are undeniable, it’s essential to understand the potential risks involved when you have an eye infection. This article explores the relationship between contact lens use and eye infections, detailing the risks, precautions, and steps you should take to ensure the health of your eyes.

1. Understanding Eye Infections and Their Impact on Contact Lens Wear

An eye infection refers to any condition where the eye or the structures surrounding it are infected by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Common types of eye infections include conjunctivitis (pink eye), corneal ulcers, and blepharitis. When you wear contact lenses, especially if not cared for properly, the risk of developing such infections increases. The lenses can trap bacteria or debris, leading to inflammation, irritation, and potentially more serious complications.

The infection may compromise the natural defense mechanisms of your eye, leaving it more vulnerable to further irritation or damage. Wearing contacts during an eye infection can exacerbate the symptoms and slow down the healing process. It’s crucial to give your eyes the time and care they need to recover fully.

2. The Risks of Wearing Contacts with an Eye Infection

Wearing contact lenses while suffering from an eye infection can worsen the condition in several ways:

• Increased Irritation: Contact lenses can cause additional friction against the infected eye, leading to increased irritation, discomfort, and redness. This may make symptoms like itching or burning more pronounced.
• Inhibited Healing: The presence of a contact lens on the infected eye can interfere with its natural healing process. The lens can prevent the eye from receiving enough oxygen, which is essential for the tissue to repair itself. This is especially problematic with corneal infections, as the cornea needs to heal quickly to avoid permanent damage.
• Infection Spread: If you have a bacterial or viral infection, continuing to wear contacts could facilitate the spread of the infection. The lens can trap harmful microorganisms and transfer them to other parts of the eye, worsening the infection or causing it to spread to the other eye.
• Corneal Ulcers: One of the most serious risks associated with wearing contacts during an eye infection is the development of corneal ulcers. These open sores on the cornea can cause long-term vision problems if not treated properly. The combination of an infection and the presence of contact lenses can create an environment where these ulcers are more likely to form.

3. When Should You Avoid Wearing Contacts?

It’s essential to stop wearing contact lenses immediately if you suspect or are diagnosed with an eye infection. Symptoms such as redness, pain, excessive tearing, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, or discharge from the eye can indicate an infection. If any of these signs are present, it’s crucial to remove your contact lenses and switch to glasses until the infection has fully healed.

For specific infections like conjunctivitis, doctors usually recommend refraining from contact lens wear until the infection clears up completely. Conjunctivitis can spread rapidly, and wearing contacts could prolong the infection or even reintroduce bacteria to the eye after it appears to have healed.

If you have a more serious infection, like a corneal ulcer or keratitis (inflammation of the cornea), wearing contacts could lead to irreversible damage. In these cases, it’s essential to follow the advice of your healthcare provider and avoid contact lens use until the infection has been fully treated and cleared.

4. Precautions to Take While Recovering from an Eye Infection

Once you’ve been diagnosed with an eye infection, taking the right precautions can prevent further complications and speed up your recovery. Here are several steps you should follow:

• Consult Your Eye Care Professional: It’s important to seek professional advice if you experience symptoms of an eye infection. A doctor or optometrist can help determine the cause of the infection and provide guidance on the best treatment options.
• Rest Your Eyes: Allow your eyes time to heal by avoiding any strain, including the use of contact lenses. Glasses can provide the necessary vision correction without introducing additional risks. Also, minimize screen time and give your eyes plenty of breaks throughout the day.
• Practice Proper Hygiene: If you do wear contact lenses regularly, it’s essential to practice proper hygiene. Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling your lenses, and avoid touching your eyes. Clean your lenses according to the manufacturer’s instructions and replace them as recommended.
• Disinfect Your Contact Lenses and Case: Even if your eye infection was not caused by your contact lenses, it’s important to thoroughly disinfect your lenses and case after the infection clears up. Contaminated lenses or cases can introduce bacteria back into your eyes, leading to reinfection.
• Follow Your Doctor’s Treatment Plan: If you’ve been prescribed antibiotics, antiviral medications, or eye drops, ensure you follow the treatment plan exactly as directed. Skipping doses or stopping treatment early could lead to a recurrence of the infection.

5. Can You Wear Contacts After the Infection Clears?

Once your eye infection has healed, it’s essential to wait until your eyes are fully recovered before resuming contact lens use. Your doctor will likely conduct a follow-up exam to ensure the infection has cleared and that no long-term damage has been done to your eyes.

If you’ve been using disposable lenses, you may need to replace them to avoid introducing any lingering bacteria. For reusable lenses, be sure to disinfect them thoroughly before using them again. It’s also a good idea to give your eyes a brief period of rest before returning to contact lens wear, allowing your eyes to fully recover from any irritation or damage.

6. When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

In some cases, an eye infection can escalate rapidly and lead to more severe complications. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Severe pain or discomfort in the eye
• Sudden vision loss or blurriness
• Discharge that becomes green or yellow
• Intense redness or swelling, especially if it’s accompanied by fever
• Sensitivity to light or difficulty keeping the eye open

These symptoms can indicate a more serious infection, such as a corneal ulcer or keratitis, and require immediate medical attention to prevent long-term damage to the eye.

7. Conclusion: Prioritize Eye Health Over Convenience

While contact lenses are convenient and essential for many people, wearing them during an eye infection can cause more harm than good. The risks, including prolonged healing, increased irritation, and the potential for serious complications like corneal ulcers, far outweigh the short-term comfort that contacts may provide. To ensure the health of your eyes, it’s important to stop wearing contacts at the first sign of an infection, follow appropriate treatment guidelines, and seek professional medical advice.

By prioritizing proper eye care and allowing your eyes time to recover, you can reduce the risk of future infections and safeguard your long-term eye health.