Talking About Optometry For Kids

Detecting, Treating, And Preventing Eye Infections When You Wear Contacts

30 September 2015

Amelia Dunn

One of the biggest issues faced by contact lens wearers is an increased risk of eye infections. Since you are touching your eyes several times a day, and because the contact lenses restrict the airflow to your eye, you are at a greater risk of developing a bacterial infection than someone who does not wear contacts. Because this is the case, it's essential that you know the signs of an infection, how to treat an infection, and how to prevent them.

Signs of an Eye Infection

When the eye infection is first developing, it may closely mimic the symptoms you develop if your eyes are a little dry or tired. They might just feel a bit scratchy, look a little pink, or be watering a bit more than normal. Within a day or so as the infection progresses, however, your symptoms become more severe. Your eyes become red or bright pink, they itch rather intensely, and they may begin to tear excessively or emit yellow-green discharge.

Treating an Eye Infection

It's best to start treating an eye infection as soon as you notice the first bit of itching and start to think you might be coming down with one. This way, it might not even progress to the point of causing more severe discharge and redness. If you have signs of an impending eye infection (itching, tiredness, a touch of redness), take out your contacts (with clean hands, of course), and rinse your eyes out with mild eye drops or saline. Then, keep an eye on your symptoms. If they improve, just don't wear your contacts for a few days, and when you do, switch to a new pair.

If your symptoms get worse after you take your contacts out, it's time to call the eye doctor, because you have a full-blown eye infection. He or she will likely prescribe you antibiotic eye drops to use several times per day. Also, you'll be instructed not to wear contacts for a while – probably at least 2 weeks.

Preventing an Eye Infection

Preventing eye infections comes down to basic hygiene and good contact care practices. Make sure you always:

• Wash your hands before handling your contacts or touching your eyes.
• Change your contact storage solution every single day.
• Close the lid on your contact solution to keep it from becoming contaminated.
• Change your contacts as recommended by your eye doctor (every day, week, or month).

Even with great hygiene, there is always a chance you could develop an infection. If you're developing infections frequently, be sure to talk to your eye doctor. He or she may need to prescribe a contact lens that breathes better or fits your eye more loosely.

For professional eye care, contact a clinic such as Bass River Optometrics.

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