Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is a common eye condition that can cause redness, irritation, and discharge. Many people who wear contact lenses wonder whether they can continue wearing them while dealing with this infection. If you’re experiencing symptoms of pink eye, an optician in Guelph can help determine the best course of action. In the meantime, here’s what you need to know about wearing contacts with pink eye.
Understanding Pink Eye and Its Causes
Pink eye can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergies, or irritants. The type of conjunctivitis you have plays a significant role in whether you should continue wearing contact lenses:
- Viral Conjunctivitis: Highly contagious and usually associated with colds or respiratory infections. It often clears up on its own but can take a week or longer to resolve.
- Bacterial Conjunctivitis: Caused by bacteria and may require antibiotic eye drops for treatment. Symptoms include thick, yellowish discharge.
- Allergic Conjunctivitis: Triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust, or pet dander. It is not contagious and usually improves with antihistamines.
- Irritant Conjunctivitis: Caused by exposure to smoke, chemicals, or other environmental irritants.
Why You Should Avoid Wearing Contacts With Pink Eye
Regardless of the type of pink eye, wearing contact lenses while your eyes are inflamed can make the condition worse. Here’s why:
- Increased Irritation: Contact lenses can further irritate an already inflamed eye, making symptoms worse.
- Risk of Spreading Infection: If your pink eye is viral or bacterial, wearing contacts can spread the infection and prolong recovery.
- Contaminated Lenses: Bacteria or viruses can linger on your lenses and case, increasing the chances of reinfection even after your symptoms subside.
When Can You Resume Wearing Contacts?
Before putting your contacts back in, ensure that:
- Your symptoms have completely cleared up.
- You have completed any prescribed treatment, such as antibiotic drops.
- Your optician in Guelph has confirmed that it is safe to resume wearing them.
- You replace your old contact lenses and case to prevent reinfection.
Steps to Protect Your Eye Health
If you experience pink eye and wear contact lenses, follow these steps to promote healing and prevent future infections:
- Stop Wearing Contacts Immediately: Switch to glasses until your symptoms are gone.
- Dispose of Old Lenses and Cases: Replace them with new ones to avoid contamination.
- Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes or handling contacts.
- Use Prescribed Medications: If your optician prescribes eye drops, follow the recommended dosage and duration.
- Clean Your Eyewear Properly: If you wear glasses while recovering, clean them regularly to remove bacteria or viruses.
- Avoid Eye Makeup: Refrain from using eye makeup until the infection clears to prevent reinfection.
When to See an Optician
If your symptoms persist for more than a few days or worsen, schedule an appointment with an optician in Guelph. Professional guidance ensures that you receive the right treatment and prevents complications that could affect your vision in the long term.
Final Thoughts
Wearing contact lenses with pink eye is not recommended, as it can worsen symptoms and prolong the infection. Prioritizing eye health by switching to glasses, practicing good hygiene, and consulting an optician in Guelph can help you recover quickly. Once your eyes are fully healed, take precautions to keep your lenses clean and replace old ones to prevent future infections.