Can you wear contact lenses with pink eye?

Remove and stop wearing contact lenses if your child has pink eye. Contact the eye doctor if symptoms persist in case of infection. Keep backup glasses on hand.

Is your child using Ortho-K or soft contact lenses to manage their nearsightedness? Have you had a situation where they developed pink eye, and you are wondering if you should pause wearing the contact lenses until the pink eye is resolved?

Pink eye is an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva with symptoms that commonly include redness, itching, tearing, discharge, and a gritty sensation. It's important to note that there are other conditions with similar symptoms that are frequently misidentified as pink eye. So, this article aims to clarify the topic of pink eye and to provide insights into why it is advisable for children to refrain from wearing contact lenses during this period. Additionally, the article will discuss how to manage the condition effectively.

What is pink eye?

Pink eye, also referred to medically as conjunctivitis, is a condition characterized by the inflammation of the transparent membrane that lines the eyelid and eyeball, known as the conjunctiva. This inflammation occurs when small blood vessels in the conjunctiva become swollen and irritated, making them more visible and causing the whites of the eyes to appear reddish or pink.

The causes of pink eye can vary and may include bacteria, viruses, chemicals, allergies, or foreign irritants. It's essential to differentiate pink eye from other conditions with similar symptoms, such as seasonal allergies or dry eye disease, to identify the root cause and ensure effective treatment.

Common symptoms of pink eye include redness in the whites of the eyes, giving them a pink or bloodshot appearance. In children with pink eye, symptoms may include itching, irritation, increased tearing, or watering of the eyes. The discharge from the eye can vary in color and consistency—clear, white, yellow, or green—depending on the underlying cause. Swelling of the eyelids and conjunctiva may contribute to a sense of discomfort. Additionally, some children may be sensitive to light (photophobia) or feel a grittiness, as if there's a foreign body in the eye. In cases of bacterial conjunctivitis, crusting of the eyelids, primarily upon waking, may be present due to dried discharge.

Pink eye usually doesn’t affect vision significantly, and various treatments are available. It is important to note that pink eye can be contagious, so obtaining an early diagnosis and taking precautions can help limit its spread -- avoid sending your child to school and stay home. 

Pink eye is contagious when your child's eyes appear pink, produce discharge, or continue to tear; this can be up to ten days if it's a bacterial infection and two to three weeks if it's due to viral.

Can my kid wear contact lenses with pink eye?

If your kid experiences pink eye, particularly if there is pain or discomfort, stop wearing contact lenses. It is advisable to switch to glasses until the condition has been resolved.

The reason is that contact lenses rest on the surface of the eye and rub against the conjunctiva every time your child blinks. In cases where the eye is already irritated and inflamed from pink eye, this can exacerbate the situation and may potentially spread or perpetuate the infection. 

If the symptoms associated with pink eye do not show signs of improvement within 12 to 24 hours, you should contact your eye doctor. This is essential to ensure that there isn't a more serious eye infection related to the use of contact lenses. 

How is pink eye treated?

Your doctor will recommend treatment based on the specific cause, your child’s medical history, and the overall eye condition. They may include antibiotic and/or steroid drops or ointments, anti-viral eye drops or pills, allergy eye drops, and artificial tears.

Most of the time, it's advisable to discontinue wearing contact lenses during the course of treatment unless your healthcare professional suggests otherwise. In the case of infection, your healthcare provider might recommend discarding already-worn soft contact lenses or thoroughly disinfecting hard lenses before reusing them. Accessories like lens cases may need to be discarded and replaced.

For allergies, the healthcare provider may prescribe various types of eye drops. If medicated eye drops or ointments are prescribed for pink eye or any other eye infection, it's important to consult with the doctor regarding the appropriate time to resume wearing contact lenses.

Occasional contact lens irritation is often self-resolving after an hour or two; artificial tears may alleviate the symptoms faster. 

Pink eyes that are due to viral infections, typically starting in one eye and spreading to the other within days; they generally resolve on their own in one to three weeks. Some viral infections may have antiviral treatment, but not all. If it's bacterial in nature, it may also get better within days without treatment, but using antibiotic eye drops may speed up the recovery time,  

On the other hand, since antibiotics are ineffective for viral or allergic cases, depending on the cause of your pink eye, your eye doctor may not prescribe eye drops since they could only be supportive or won't be effective in addressing the underlying cause. 

To prevent the spreading of infection, make sure your child avoids rubbing their eyes, practices frequent handwashing, refrains from sharing personal eye care products, and adheres to proper contact lens care as instructed by the eye doctor.

When should you see a doctor for pink eye symptoms?

If your child is experiencing mild symptoms of pink eye, you could monitor their condition closely, and they are likely to self-resolve in time. A visit to the eye doctor is warranted if the pink eye is accompanied by pain, discomfort, or unusual mucus discharge. Additionally, any noticeable changes in vision, such as blurry vision, should not be overlooked, as it may indicate a more serious issue.

Sensitivity to light is another concerning symptom that requires prompt attention. Moreover, be vigilant about any escalation in discharge, crusting, or pus associated with the pink eye infection. These signs may indicate worsening the condition and necessitate professional medical intervention.

How to keep your eyes healthy while wearing contact lenses?

To ensure the optimal health of your child's eyes while wearing contact lenses, it is crucial to adopt healthy habits, utilize appropriate supplies, and maintain regular communication with their eye care provider. Here are some essential tips to help your child safely wear contact lenses and safeguard their eye health:

1. Avoid Eye Rubbing: Encourage your child to refrain from rubbing their eyes. This minimizes the risk of introducing bacteria or irritants, reducing the likelihood of eye infections.

2. Avoid Sleeping In Soft Contact Lenses: If your child wears soft contact lenses, make sure they do not sleep in them. Removing lenses allows the eyes to receive necessary oxygen and reduces the risk of discomfort and complications.

3. Wash Hands Thoroughly: Before handling contact lenses, it is crucial for your child to wash their hands with soap and water. Clean hands help prevent the transfer of dirt and bacteria to the lenses, promoting overall eye hygiene.

4. Keep Contact Lenses Away From Water: Remind your child to keep their contact lenses away from all forms of water, including showers, tap water, and swimming pools. Water can introduce harmful microorganisms, leading to infections.

5. Properly Clean The Lenses: Teach your child the importance of properly cleaning their contact lenses. Following the prescribed cleaning routine helps maintain lens clarity and reduces the risk of eye irritation.

6. Take Care of Your Contact Lens Case and Other Accessories: Emphasize the need for regular cleaning and proper maintenance of the contact lens case and other accessories. A clean case prevents the growth of bacteria and ensures a safe environment for storing lenses.

7. Regular Eye Exams: Schedule yearly or recommended visits to your eye care provider. Regular check-ups help monitor your child's eye health, address any concerns, and ensure their prescription remains accurate for optimal vision correction.

8. Promptly Address Eye Discomfort: Educate your child to remove contact lenses immediately and inform you if they experience eye pain, discomfort, redness, or blurred vision. Early intervention can prevent complications and maintain eye health.

9. Have a Backup Pair of Glasses: Keep a backup pair of glasses with a current prescription. This ensures they have an alternative vision correction method in case of pink eye.

Key takeaways

If your child is experiencing pink eye, it is crucial to promptly remove the contact lenses and refrain from wearing them until the condition is resolved. Wearing contact lenses during this period can intensify irritation and potentially contribute to the spread or persistence of infection.

Should the symptoms persist for more than 12 to 24 hours, it is imperative to contact your eye doctor to rule out a more severe eye infection associated with contact lens use. Your doctor may recommend appropriate treatment, such as antibiotic or antiviral drops, allergy eye drops, or artificial tears, depending on the underlying cause.

Finally, keep a pair of backup glasses with the current prescription. Even Ruby the Rabbit, who eventually discovered carrots is great for her sight, keeps her pair for just in case. 

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