Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is a common and highly contagious eye infection that can cause redness, itching, swelling, and discharge. If you wear contact lenses, you may be wondering how long after pink eye you can safely start wearing them again.
The general consensus among healthcare professionals is that you should wait at least 24 hours after starting treatment for pink eye before you begin wearing your contacts again. This allows time for the infection to clear up and reduces the risk of re-infection or further irritation to your eyes.
It’s important to follow the guidance of your healthcare provider and finish any prescribed medication, even if your symptoms improve before the medication is gone. This will help ensure that the infection is fully cleared before you resume wearing your contacts.
In some cases, your doctor may recommend that you wait longer than 24 hours before wearing your contacts again. This could be the case if your symptoms are particularly severe or if you have a history of recurrent pink eye.
– Wash your hands frequently, especially before touching your eyes or putting in your contacts.
– Avoid sharing towels, pillows, or other items that may come into contact with your eyes.
– Replace your contact lens case regularly and follow proper cleaning and storage procedures for your lenses.
– If you experience any symptoms of pink eye, such as redness, itching, or discharge, remove your contacts immediately and consult with a healthcare professional.