Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, the transparent membrane that lines the inner surface of the eyelids and covers the white part of the eye. Although most cases of pink eye clears up on its own within a week or two, it's important to follow proper care instructions to avoid reintroducing germs into your eyes.
If you have pink eye, it's generally recommended to avoid wearing contact lenses until your eye is fully recovered and the infection has been cleared. This is to prevent the risk of contaminating your lenses with bacteria or viruses that may have been passed on by someone with an active infection.
When Can I Return to Wearing Contacts After Pink Eye?
Most eye care professionals recommend waiting at least two days after the symptoms of pink eye have resolved before resuming wearing contact lenses. This allows time for any discharge or crust to dry up and fall off, reducing the risk of reinfection.
If you have monthly or two-week disposable contact lenses, it's best to throw those lenses away and start with a new pair after your infection has been cleared. For more durable lenses, like铰链式设计或高透气材料制成，您可能需要更加仔细地消毒镜头。
It's also a good idea to disinfect and sterilize your contact lens storage case and solution before placing your lenses back in your eyes. You should also follow the manufacturer's care instructions and adjust your contact lens wear schedule accordingly.
Disinfect and Sterilize Your Contact Lenses
Proper contact lens care is crucial, especially during an infection. Here are some steps you can take to properly disinfect and sterilize your lenses:
- Use a solution recommended by your eye care professional.
- Scrub your lenses gently with a clean toothbrush or cotton swab to remove any visible debris or protein deposits.
- Fill the lens case with fresh solution and let it sit for at least 12 hours before emptying and reloading.
- Avoid sharing your contact lens case or solution with others, and always replace it every three months.
What to Avoid While Dealing with Pink Eye
While recovering from pink eye, there are several things you should avoid to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses:
- Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes, especially when you have active symptoms.
- Do not share eye makeup, contact lenses, or other personal items that may come into contact with someone else's eyes.
- Keep your contact lens case and solution clean and replace them as recommended.
- Switch to eyeglasses if your pink eye is caused by allergies, and avoid wearing contacts until your symptoms clear up.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If your symptoms persist or worsen after 3-5 days, it's important to seek medical attention. An eye care professional can diagnose your condition, recommend appropriate treatment, and advise you when it's safe to return to wearing contact lenses.
Conclusion
Pink eye can be a contagious condition, but it's important to follow proper care instructions to avoid reinfecting your eyes. If you have pink eye, it's generally recommended to avoid wearing contact lenses until your eye is fully recovered and the infection has been cleared. When you're ready to wear contact lenses again, make sure to follow your eye care professional's advice, keep your lenses clean, and avoid reusing any product that may have been contaminated with your own.
