Can I wear contacts with pink eye?

Why do contacts have to come out?

The CDC and the NHS give the same rule: no contact lenses while you have pink eye. The CDC says to stop wearing them until you no longer have symptoms, or until your eye doctor tells you it is fine to start again.

A lens sits right on the eye. The CDC says germs are more likely to infect the eye when lenses are worn too long or not cared for correctly, and that this can lead to keratitis, a more serious infection of the cornea.

Keep a pair of glasses with a current prescription on hand. The CDC recommends carrying backup glasses for exactly this reason.

What should I throw out after pink eye?

The CDC says to throw away disposable products you used while your eyes were infected, including disposable contact lenses and cases. Reusable lenses and glasses should be cleaned the way your eye doctor or the product directions say.

• Daily or other disposable lenses: throw out the pair you wore while infected. Start with a fresh pair once your eye is clear.
• Disposable lens case: throw it out. The CDC says to replace any case at least every 3 months anyway, so a new case is a small cost.
• Reusable lenses: clean and disinfect them as directed, and ask your eye doctor whether to keep them.
• Solution: use fresh solution in a clean case. The CDC says not to mix fresh solution with old solution in the case.
• Eye drops: do not share them, and do not use the same bottle in an infected and a non-infected eye.
• Eye makeup and brushes: do not share them while you have pink eye.

When can I put my contacts back in?

The CDC answer is: when you no longer have pink eye symptoms, or when your eye doctor says it is OK. If you saw an eye doctor for the infection, follow their timing, since they know which type you have and how it is responding.

When you do go back, start with a fresh pair of disposable lenses and a clean or new case. If your eye turns red or irritated again after you put lenses back in, take them out. The CDC advises removing lenses and contacting your eye care provider if you have discomfort.

Pink eye can sometimes come from the lenses themselves. The NHS says that if you wear lenses and have symptoms plus spots on your eyelids, you may be allergic to the lenses and should see a doctor, though it is not an emergency.

Is it pink eye or a contact lens infection?

This is the part that matters most if you wear contacts. Keratitis, an infection of the cornea, shares some signs with pink eye, like a red, irritated, watery eye. The CDC says serious contact lens infections can lead to vision loss or blindness if left untreated.

The CDC lists these signs of a contact lens-related eye infection. If you have them, take the lenses out and call your eye doctor right away:

• Pain in or around the eye that is getting worse, even after you take the lens out
• Light sensitivity
• Sudden blurry vision
• Red, irritated eyes with unusual watering or discharge

What helps while my contacts are out?

The CDC suggests cold compresses and over-the-counter artificial tears to ease swelling and dryness. The NHS suggests gently wiping your lashes with a clean cotton pad and cooled boiled water, using 1 pad for each eye.

To avoid spreading it or catching it again: wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, try not to rub your eyes, and wash pillowcases, towels, and washcloths in hot water with detergent. The CDC also advises skipping swimming pools while you have pink eye.