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

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: Can conjunctivitis affect my vision?

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

Q: Is allergic conjunctivitis contagious?

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

Q: 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.

Published on August 25, 2025

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5 minute read time

Understanding conjunctivitis (pink eye)

Wearing contacts with pink eye is a no-no

Returning to contacts after a case of conjunctivitis

Three ways improper contact lens wear can cause conjunctivitis

See your eye doctor with any questions or concerns

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FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Can I wear contact lenses if I have conjunctivitis?

How long should I wait to wear contacts after conjunctivitis?

Can conjunctivitis affect my vision?

Is allergic conjunctivitis contagious?

What should I do if my conjunctivitis gets worse?