Contact lenses for conjunctivitis in adults

The term “conjunctivitis” refers to a group of inflammatory diseases of the mucous membrane of the eye (conjunctiva). The nature of the inflammatory process can be either infectious (these are pathogenic bacteria, fungi, viruses) or non-infectious (due to exposure to allergens, irritants, dry air, corrosive gases, smoke). Quite pronounced and vivid symptoms are typical for conjunctivitis:

• severe lacrimation;
• redness of the sclera, itching and burning in the eyes;
• discharge of a mucous or purulent nature, accumulating in the corners of the eyes or along the edges of the eyelids.

Can I wear lenses with conjunctivitis?

Against the background of such symptoms, the use of contact lenses will be extremely difficult. They can be difficult to even put on and can increase pain and discomfort. Even if conjunctivitis is not very pronounced, there is no purulent discharge from the eyes, and in the first days of the disease the symptoms are not very pronounced, experts do not recommend the use of contact lenses, whatever they may be.

It is worth removing the products and using glasses during the illness to give the eyes a chance to recover. In order to refuse to wear contact lenses during acute conjunctivitis, there are a number of good reasons:

• setting lenses in irritated, inflamed eyes is painful and can additionally injure the mucous membrane;
  
• during the period of conjunctivitis, the eyes require special care, the use of medications that are simply impossible to provide when wearing contact lenses;
  
• under the lens, the most favorable environment for the development of infection will be created, biofilms will form on the surface of the lens, complications of the disease are possible.

What lenses are needed for conjunctivitis

In the acute stage of conjunctivitis, wearing lenses is contraindicated. After the infection subsides, all the main symptoms are eliminated and the course of treatment is completed, it is imperative to use only new lenses. Those products that were in use at the time of the onset of the disease can become a source of re-infection – complications can occur, the infection threatens to become chronic.

If one-day lenses were used, there are no problems at all, you can simply put on a new pair after recovery. If the lenses are worn for 14 to 28 days or more but have not expired, the lenses should not be used again to save money. This can cause infection to damage the tissues of the cornea, which can lead to clouding of the cornea and severe vision problems.

Solutions that are designed to clean lenses can remove those deposits that form daily, disinfect the lens, but they cannot completely rid the product of danger. Therefore, it is necessary to change the kit for a new one.

What is the difference between lenses for conjunctivitis and ordinary lenses?

With conjunctivitis, no lenses should be worn in the acute phase. Therefore, you should not use either one-day or any other products.

As the infection clears up, you can switch to your usual lenses, or temporarily use disposable lenses for a week.

Reviews of doctors about lenses for conjunctivitis

“There are no such lenses and, in principle, there shouldn’t be,” says ophthalmologist Maxim Kolomeytsev. – During inflammation in the eye, lenses are strictly prohibited for use! No compromise! Chronic conjunctivitis is also treatable, and you can return to the use of lenses only after the end of therapy.

Popular questions and answers

We discussed with ophthalmologist Maxim Kolomeytsev the problem of wearing contact lenses in conjunctivitis, options for using products and complications.