Signs of an Eye Infection From Contacts

Recognizing the signs of an eye infection from contacts is crucial for your eye health. If you wear contact lenses, watch for symptoms like persistent redness, discomfort or pain, unusual discharge, blurred vision, and increased light sensitivity. These indicators suggest that an infection may be present and require immediate attention from an eye care professional. For more on this, see our guide to 5 Signs Your Colored Contacts Don't Fit Right.

Understanding Contact Lens-Related Eye Infections

Contact lenses, while offering excellent vision correction and aesthetic choices like those from MyEyeColors, are medical devices that sit directly on your eye. This proximity, combined with factors like improper hygiene or extended wear, can unfortunately create an environment susceptible to eye infections. An eye infection from contacts occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other microorganisms invade the eye's delicate tissues, leading to inflammation and potential damage.

Even with the best intentions, tiny breaches in hygiene can introduce pathogens. For instance, touching your lenses with unwashed hands, exposing them to tap water, or not replacing your lens case regularly can all increase your risk. Understanding these underlying causes helps underscore why vigilance for symptoms is so important.

Common Types of Eye Infections Linked to Contacts

• Bacterial Keratitis: One of the most common and serious infections. Bacteria can rapidly multiply on the lens surface or in the lens case, leading to painful corneal ulcers.
• Fungal Keratitis: Less common but often more difficult to treat, fungal infections can occur after eye trauma involving plant material or exposure to contaminated water.
• Acanthamoeba Keratitis: A rare but severe parasitic infection, often linked to rinsing lenses with tap water or swimming while wearing contacts. It can cause significant vision loss.
• Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): While often viral, bacterial conjunctivitis can also be transmitted via contact lenses, causing inflammation of the conjunctiva (the clear membrane covering the white part of your eye and lining your eyelids).

Key Signs and Symptoms of an Eye Infection From Contacts

Being able to identify the early warning signs of an eye infection from contacts is paramount. Ignoring symptoms or hoping they will go away on their own can lead to more severe complications, including permanent vision loss. If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they are persistent or worsen, remove your lenses immediately and contact your eye doctor.

1. Persistent Redness

A common and often the first visible sign of irritation or infection. While some mild redness might occur after a long day of wear, persistent or worsening redness, especially around the iris or throughout the white of the eye (sclera), is a strong indicator of an issue. This isn't just cosmetic; it signals inflammation within the eye. If you're weighing options, our roundup of How to Keep Contacts From Drying Out Mid-Day is a good next read.

2. Discomfort or Pain

Any unusual or increasing discomfort, stinging, burning, or a sharp pain in your eye should be taken seriously. This pain might range from a mild, persistent ache to a severe, throbbing sensation. It's often worse when blinking or moving your eye and usually doesn't subside after removing your lenses.

3. Excessive Tearing or Discharge

While watery eyes can be a sign of irritation, excessive, persistent tearing without an obvious cause (like crying or allergies) can indicate an infection. More concerning is any discharge that is not clear and watery. This could be thick, white, yellow, or greenish, and may cause your eyelids to stick together, especially after sleeping.

4. Blurred or Decreased Vision

If your vision suddenly becomes blurry, hazy, or you notice a decrease in clarity that isn't resolved by blinking or re-wetting your lenses, it could be a sign that the infection is affecting your cornea. Any change in your visual acuity warrants immediate professional evaluation.

5. Increased Light Sensitivity (Photophobia)

Finding bright lights uncomfortable or painful, even in moderately lit environments, is known as photophobia. This symptom often accompanies corneal inflammation or infection and means your eye is struggling to adapt to light, indicating a deeper problem. You might also like our take on Are Colored Contacts Safe to Wear.

6. Feeling of a Foreign Body

A sensation that something is constantly in your eye, even after removing your contact lens, can be a symptom of an infection. This gritty, scratchy feeling can be relentless and is often associated with corneal irritation or damage.

7. Swelling of Eyelids or Eye

Noticeable swelling around your eyelids or within the eye itself can be a sign of inflammation or infection. The eyelids might appear puffy, red, or tender to the touch.

What to Do If You Suspect an Eye Infection

If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, immediate action is crucial:

1. Remove Your Lenses: Take out your contact lenses immediately. Do not attempt to reinsert them until you've seen an eye care professional and received clearance.
2. Do NOT Self-Treat: Avoid using over-the-counter eye drops unless specifically instructed by your eye doctor. Different types of infections require different treatments, and using the wrong drops can worsen the condition or mask symptoms.
3. Contact Your Eye Doctor Immediately: This is the most important step. Explain your symptoms clearly. They will advise you on whether you need an emergency appointment or if you can wait for a regular visit. Be prepared to describe when symptoms started, their severity, and any actions you've taken.
4. Keep Your Lenses and Case: If possible, bring your contact lenses (in their case with solution) to your appointment. Your doctor might want to test them for contaminants.

Preventing Eye Infections: Best Practices for Contact Lens Wearers

Prevention is always better than cure, especially when it comes to your precious eyesight. By adhering to strict hygiene and following your eye care professional's advice, you can significantly reduce your risk of an eye infection from contacts.

Strict Hygiene is Non-Negotiable

• Wash Your Hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry them with a lint-free towel before handling your contact lenses.
• Use Fresh Solution: Always use fresh, sterile contact lens solution each time you clean and store your lenses. Never "top off" old solution.
• Clean Your Lens Case: Rinse your lens case with fresh solution and let it air dry upside down after each use. Replace your lens case every 1-3 months.
• Never Use Tap Water: Tap water, even filtered water, can contain microorganisms like Acanthamoeba that are harmful to your eyes. Never rinse lenses or cases with tap water.

Follow Your Wear Schedule

Adhere strictly to the replacement schedule prescribed by your eye care professional. Whether daily disposables, bi-weekly, or monthly lenses, sticking to the schedule prevents protein and lipid buildup that can harbor bacteria.

Never Sleep in Your Lenses

Unless specifically approved by your eye doctor for extended wear, never sleep in your contact lenses. Sleeping in lenses drastically reduces oxygen flow to your cornea, making it more vulnerable to infection. We break this down further in Are Halloween Contacts Safe to Wear.

Avoid Sharing Lenses

Never share your contact lenses, even if they are colored contact lenses from MyEyeColors that don't correct vision. Lenses are medical devices fitted specifically for your eyes and sharing them can transfer bacteria and other pathogens.

Regular Eye Exams

Regular check-ups with your eye care professional are essential. They ensure your prescription is up-to-date, your lenses fit correctly, and your eyes remain healthy. This is also the time to discuss any concerns or changes you've noticed.

When choosing contact lenses, including vibrant colored options to enhance your natural eye color, always prioritize health and safety. MyEyeColors encourages all customers to get a proper fitting and prescription from a qualified eye care professional before purchasing any lenses. Explore our selection of colored contact lenses at browse our colored contacts, but remember, your eye health comes first.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention: A Comparison

It can sometimes be hard to differentiate between mild irritation and a serious infection. This table highlights key differences to help you decide when immediate action is needed. It pairs well with what we cover in Colored Contacts and Allergies.

Always err on the side of caution. If you are unsure, contact your eye care professional. Your vision is too important to risk.

Key Takeaways

• An eye infection from contacts manifests through symptoms like persistent redness, pain, discharge, and blurred vision.
• Immediate action includes removing lenses and contacting an eye doctor; never attempt self-treatment.
• Strict hygiene, adherence to wear schedules, and never sleeping in lenses are critical for prevention.
• Regular eye exams and a proper prescription are essential for safe contact lens wear, including colored contacts from MyEyeColors.
• Do not share lenses, as they are medical devices specific to your eyes and can transfer pathogens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an eye infection from contacts go away on its own?

While some very mild irritations might resolve with lens removal, a true eye infection from contacts typically requires medical treatment. Ignoring an infection can lead to serious complications, including permanent vision damage. Always consult an eye care professional if you suspect an infection.

How quickly do eye infection symptoms appear after exposure?

The onset of symptoms can vary. Some infections might show signs within hours, while others, particularly fungal or parasitic infections, might take days or even weeks to fully develop noticeable symptoms. If you notice any unusual changes, act promptly.

Is it safe to wear makeup with an eye infection?

No, it is generally not safe to wear eye makeup if you suspect or have an eye infection. Makeup can further irritate the eye, introduce more bacteria, or become contaminated itself. It's best to avoid all eye makeup until the infection has completely cleared and your eye doctor gives you the go-ahead.

What happens if I continue to wear contacts with an infection?

Continuing to wear contacts with an infection can worsen the condition significantly. It can trap bacteria, impede healing, and lead to more severe complications such as corneal ulcers, scarring, and even permanent vision loss. Always remove your lenses immediately if you suspect an issue.

Are colored contacts from MyEyeColors safer than regular clear contacts regarding infections?

All contact lenses, whether clear or colored, are medical devices and carry a similar risk of infection if not handled properly. The safety of contact lenses, including those from MyEyeColors, depends entirely on adhering to proper hygiene, following your eye care professional's instructions, and getting a proper fitting and prescription. MyEyeColors emphasizes the importance of these safety measures for all lens wearers.