What should you know about red eye lenses?

A lens that is dirty, damaged, poorly fitting or worn for too long can disturb the tear film and irritate the eye. Redness with a gritty feeling or watering may be mild, but pain, light sensitivity, discharge or blurred vision can signal a corneal problem and deserves prompt examination. [Red Eye](/symptoms/red-eye/) includes other possible causes.

Conjunctivitis can also occur in a lens wearer and may cause discharge or eyelids sticking together; see [Conjunctivitis](/conditions/conjunctivitis/). Itching with allergy triggers may fit [Allergic Conjunctivitis](/conditions/allergic-conjunctivitis/), which is managed differently.

Remove the lenses immediately if the eye is red, sore or unusually watery. Do not put them back in to test whether the eye feels better, and do not rinse them with tap water. Keep the lenses and case available if a clinician wants to inspect them, but discard disposable lenses as advised. Avoid eye makeup and rubbing, wash hands, and use glasses until an eye professional confirms that lens wear is appropriate.

Contact an eye professional promptly for any red eye in a contact-lens wearer, particularly when pain, light sensitivity, discharge, a cloudy spot or reduced vision is present. Emergency care is appropriate after chemical exposure or injury. Do not wait for symptoms to become severe before seeking advice.

Ask whether the cornea is intact, whether the lens fit or cleaning routine contributed, and when you can safely resume wearing lenses. Share the lens type, wearing schedule, cleaning solution, case age, overnight use and the exact time symptoms began.