How should wearers respond to redness that persists after lens removal?

How should wearers respond to redness that persists after lens removal?

• A. Seek evaluation; discontinue lens wear and contact clinician; avoid wearing until cleared
• B. Continue wearing to test tolerance
• C. Treat with random eye drops and resume
• D. Ignore it if vision is fine

Answer: (A)

Persistent redness after removing contact lenses is a warning sign that something more than simple irritation may be happening. The safest course is to stop wearing the lenses and seek evaluation from an eye care professional, and avoid wearing lenses until you’re cleared. Redness can arise from several issues, such as a corneal abrasion from the lens edge, poor lens fit causing ongoing irritation, or allergic/inflammatory responses to deposits or solutions. It can also indicate an infection like keratitis, which needs prompt diagnosis and treatment to protect vision. A clinician can inspect the eye, assess the cause, and prescribe appropriate treatment.

In the meantime, remove the lenses, wash your hands, avoid rubbing the eyes, and don’t rely on random over-the-counter eye drops or resume wear until a clinician says it’s safe. If you experience pain, vision changes, light sensitivity, or discharge, seek urgent care promptly.