Why you should never wear contact lenses if you have pink eye

Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is a common eye condition that many may face at one point or another. Learn what it is and why you should remove your contact lenses and see your eye doctor if you’re experiencing symptoms.

Published on August 25, 2025

Understanding conjunctivitis (pink eye)

Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva—the clear, thin membrane that covers the white part of your eye and lines the inside of your eyelids. When this membrane becomes irritated or infected, the blood vessels become more visible, resulting in the classic pink or red appearance associated with this condition. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, allergies or even chemical irritation.

Wearing contacts with pink eye is a no-no

If you’re wondering whether or not you can wear contact lenses while you have conjunctivitis, that’s an easy one—the answer is no. Wearing contact lenses with pink eye may cause increased irritation, discomfort and inflammation. It may also slow the healing process and if the conjunctivitis is viral or bacterial, risk the spread of the infection to your other eye or other people, especially since you have to touch your eye to put on or take off your lenses.

Returning to contacts after a case of conjunctivitis

When you’ve had a case of pink eye, ask your eye doctor when it’s safe to start wearing contact lenses again. Here are a few things they are likely to recommend:

Wait until healed

Your eye doctor will want your eyes to be completely free from any symptoms of pink eye before you put your contact lenses back on. They may even recommend giving your eyes a few extra days of rest after symptoms fade to avoid any potential resurgence of infection.

Start with fresh lenses

If you wear reusable contact lenses, throw away the ones that you were wearing before the infection and start with new ones. This helps ensure you aren’t re-contaminating your eyes.

Use fresh products, too

If your pink eye was caused by bacterial or viral infection, toss any products that made contact with your eyes during the infection, including makeup, eye drops, the case where your contacts were stored, and even your contact lens solution. It’s better safe than sorry, this level of caution helps make sure that lingering bacteria or viruses are minimized as much as possible, helping prevent reinfection.

Three ways improper contact lens wear can cause conjunctivitis

1. Poor lens hygiene

Not washing your hands before handling your lenses or failing to clean your lenses properly can mean transferring harmful bacteria or viruses to your eyes.

2. Wearing your contacts longer than they were made to be worn

Contacts are designed to be worn for certain lengths of time (for example, biweekly lenses can be worn once a day for up to two weeks). Never wear your lenses longer than they’re intended to be worn, and never sleep in your contact lenses unless your doctor has prescribed lenses specifically for overnight wear.

3. Using old or contaminated lenses

Contact lenses have expiration dates for a reason. Their packaging is typically sterile, but packaging degrades over time and the seal can occasionally be punctured by accident. Always throw away expired contact lenses and do the same if packaging looks torn or broken.

See your eye doctor with any questions or concerns

Don’t hesitate to reach out to your eye doctor if you experience symptoms of conjunctivitis. They can help determine the cause behind your irritation and recommend the right treatment for you.

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FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Can I wear contact lenses if I have conjunctivitis?

Avoid wearing contact lenses while you have conjunctivitis to prevent further irritation and the spreading of possible infection. Your eye care professional knows best—reach out to them for a diagnosis and treatment plan.

How long should I wait to wear contacts after conjunctivitis?

Always follow the guidance of your eye care professional. Usually they’ll advise you to wait until your eyes are completely symptom-free, then allow another couple of days before resuming contact lens use.

Can conjunctivitis affect my vision?

Conjunctivitis does not typically change your prescription, but irritation, watering, and discharge may affect vision temporarily.

Is allergic conjunctivitis contagious?

No, allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious, as it results from an allergic reaction, not an infection.

What should I do if my conjunctivitis gets worse?

If after seeing your eye doctor for an initial diagnosis and treatment plan your symptoms worsen or don't improve as expected, get back in touch with your eye doctor.