A change in the ability to wear contact lenses

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A change in the ability to wear contact lenses

Contact lens wearers have an increased risk for serious eye infections and injury (abrasions) of the cornea. Small objects that get into the eye may become trapped under a lens and scratch the cornea. Pinkeye (conjunctivitis) or other minor eye infections are likely to irritate your eyes and make wearing contacts uncomfortable and unsafe.

Symptoms of possible problems with your contacts include:

• Redness.
• Pain or burning in the eye.
• Drainage.
• Blurred vision.
• Extreme sensitivity to light (photophobia).
• Feeling that you have something in your eye.

If you are having trouble with eye irritation or can't wear your contact lenses normally, remove the lenses, disinfect them, and rest your eyes. If symptoms persist longer than 2 to 3 hours after removing and cleaning your contacts, call your eye care professional.

Contact lenses, especially soft lenses, may absorb eyedrops. If you use eye medications, leave your lenses out for about 30 minutes after using eyedrops to avoid problems.

Decorative color lenses can cause eye problems, such as damage to the cornea or eye infections. To avoid eye problems, it is important to follow the directions for cleaning and wearing these lenses.

Credits

Last updated:	December 13, 2005
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Ian MacDonald, MDCM, FRCSC - Ophthalmology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Lila Havens