Contact lens conjunctivitis treatment: what to know

Redness, watering, discharge, gritty discomfort or light sensitivity can occur with conjunctivitis. In a contact-lens wearer, similar symptoms can also reflect a corneal infection or a scratch, so the appearance alone cannot identify the cause. Keep the lenses out, and do not share eye products or use someone else’s drops.

Bring the lens case, solution and lenses to an assessment if requested. A clinician may check the surface of the eye, vision and the cornea before deciding whether supportive care, prescription drops or antibiotic treatment is appropriate.

Wash your hands before touching the eye. Remove lenses gently and use glasses. Do not put a lens back into an eye that is red or painful, and discard disposable lenses that were worn during symptoms unless an eye professional gives different advice. Use a clean towel and avoid rubbing.

Book a prompt GP or eye-care assessment, especially when discharge, pain or blurred vision is present. Do not use leftover antibiotic or steroid drops without advice; the wrong product can delay recognition of a corneal problem.

Seek urgent eye care for significant pain, reduced or blurred vision, marked light sensitivity, a white spot on the cornea, increasing swelling, or symptoms that worsen after lens removal. These signs need examination rather than home treatment.

If symptoms are mild but do not settle promptly after removing the lenses, arrange a GP Consultation. Mention the lens type, wearing pattern, cleaning solution and the time symptoms began.

Ask whether the cornea is involved, when lenses can be worn again, whether the case and solution should be replaced, and which symptoms should trigger same-day review.