What should you know about pink eye lens?

A contact lens can trap microorganisms or irritants against the eye and may rub an already inflamed surface. Pink eye can cause redness, watering, grittiness and discharge, but a lens wearer may also develop a corneal infection, which needs different treatment. Mild discomfort does not reliably show how serious the problem is.

Do not try to cover redness with lenses or use a lens to test whether the eye has recovered. Pain, light sensitivity or blurred vision deserves prompt assessment.

Remove lenses with clean hands and keep them out while the eye is red, painful or discharging. Follow clinician advice before restarting lenses. Dispose of daily lenses and eye makeup used during the episode; ask about reusable lenses and their case because they may need replacement. Wash hands before eye care, gently clear discharge with clean water and a fresh pad, and do not share towels or eye drops. A GP consultation can assess whether conjunctivitis is present and whether antibiotic treatment is appropriate.

Contact-lens wearers with a red eye should seek prompt medical advice, especially when there is pain, strong light sensitivity, blurred or reduced vision, marked swelling or increasing discharge. Injury and chemical exposure also require urgent assessment. Seek emergency help for sudden vision loss or severe pain. Do not wait for routine self-care if symptoms are rapidly worsening.

Ask whether the cornea looks healthy, when lenses can safely be restarted, whether the lens case should be discarded, and whether prescription treatment is needed.