While contact lenses are a safe and effective means of correcting vision, there are some risks. A red eye is a stop sign to the contact lens wearer telling them to remove the lens and seek the assistance of their eye doctor.
The eye has a remarkable array of weapons available to combat eye infections. Wearing contact lenses however can diminish the effectiveness of some of these mechanisms. This makes the contact lens wearer more susceptible to eye infections. Infections that are associated with contact lens wear tend to be more aggressive. Without immediate attention these infections can lead to permanent vision loss.
The risks associated with contact lens wear can be minimized by hand washing, immediate removal of the lens from a red eye, limiting overnight wear and following the recommended replacement schedule for your lens. In addition, patients should rub their lenses despite the “no rub” labeling and contact lens cases should be rinsed in hot water and left open to air dry during the day.
Remember to seek immediate attention if redness does not subside rapidly after removing the lens. Don't just mask the problem with a "get the redout product"
