Advertisement
question

Can I wear contact lenses if my eyes are irritated?

Ivan A. Schwab, MD
Ivan A. Schwab, MD on behalf of American Academy of Ophthalmology's EyeSmart
Ophthalmology
answer

This is a difficult question to answer because there are so many different conditions that can cause irritation. But as a rule of thumb, it is better to remove the contact lens. Most of the time, the contact lens is the cause of the irritation or somehow related to the irritation.

The important problems include infection, tight lens, toxicity from solutions, abrasions, and contact lens tears. These are all conditions where you should remove the lens even if the pain becomes worse with removal. Sometimes your eye doctor will insert a contact lens to treat certain ocular problems, but these lenses are different and are not cosmetic lenses.

If you have irritation with a contact lens in place, it should be removed, and if the irritation persists, you should see your eye doctor (ophthalmologist) immediately because this could be a serious problem.

Continue Learning about Eye and Vision

A Smart Diet for Healthy Eyes
A Smart Diet for Healthy Eyes
A low-glycemic-index diet has long been touted as a way to avoid blood sugar problems. But it seems this approach to eating may help keep your eyes in...
Read More
3 Simple Steps to Ease TED Symptoms
3 Simple Steps to Ease TED Symptoms
These strategies can help ease Thyroid Eye Disease symptoms during treatment.
Read More
5 Ways to Prevent Computer Eyestrain
5 Ways to Prevent Computer Eyestrain
Whether you’re meeting remotely with coworkers, paying bills online, or streaming your favorite drama, chances are you're spending a lot of hours star...
Read More
Is anything wrong if one eye is different than the other?
It's normal if the eyes each have a different astigmatism, but read more about amblyopia, a complica...
More Answers

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.