Wearing contacts with a broken blood vessel in the eye is generally not recommended until fully healed to avoid irritation and complications.
Understanding a Broken Blood Vessel in the Eye
A broken blood vessel in the eye, medically known as a subconjunctival hemorrhage, occurs when a small blood vessel bursts beneath the clear surface of your eye (the conjunctiva). This condition appears alarming, often resembling a bright red or dark patch on the white part of the eye. Despite its dramatic look, it usually causes no pain and does not affect vision.
The conjunctiva is rich in tiny blood vessels that can rupture due to minor trauma, sudden pressure changes like coughing or sneezing, or even straining. Other causes include high blood pressure, blood-thinning medications, or underlying health issues. Since the conjunctiva is thin and transparent, any bleeding becomes very visible.
The good news is that most subconjunctival hemorrhages heal on their own within one to two weeks without medical treatment. However, understanding how this impacts contact lens use is crucial for protecting your eye health during recovery.
Why Wearing Contacts With a Broken Blood Vessel Is Risky
Contacts sit directly on the cornea and touch the conjunctiva surrounding it. When a blood vessel breaks, the area becomes more sensitive and vulnerable to irritation or infection. Wearing lenses during this time can exacerbate discomfort and slow healing.
Here are key reasons why wearing contacts with a broken blood vessel is generally discouraged:
- Irritation and Dryness: Contacts can reduce oxygen flow to your cornea, causing dryness that worsens redness and inflammation.
- Increased Infection Risk: The damaged conjunctiva offers less protection against bacteria. Contacts can introduce pathogens if hygiene isn’t perfect.
- Delayed Healing: Continuous friction from lenses may prevent the broken vessels from repairing properly.
- Discomfort: You might experience itching, burning, or foreign body sensation due to sensitivity around the hemorrhage.
In short, wearing contacts prematurely could turn a minor issue into something more serious.
What Happens If You Wear Contacts Anyway?
Some people might be tempted to continue using their lenses for convenience or appearance reasons. While not every wearer will experience complications immediately, risks include:
- Worsening redness: The hemorrhage may spread or intensify.
- Corneal abrasion: Increased rubbing could scratch the cornea.
- Eye infections: Such as conjunctivitis or keratitis.
- Prolonged discomfort: Persistent irritation may make lens wear unbearable.
If symptoms like pain, vision changes, discharge, or swelling occur while wearing contacts with a broken vessel, immediate removal and professional consultation are essential.
Safe Practices for Contact Lens Users With Eye Hemorrhages
If you spot a broken blood vessel but rely on contact lenses daily, taking proper precautions can help protect your eyes.
Avoid Contact Lens Use Temporarily
The safest approach is to stop wearing contacts until your eye fully heals. This usually takes about 1-2 weeks but varies by individual. Switching to glasses during this period allows your eyes to breathe and recover naturally.
Maintain Rigorous Hygiene
If you must wear lenses (for example, due to work demands), ensure you:
- Wash hands thoroughly before handling lenses.
- Use fresh disinfecting solution every time; never reuse old solution.
- Avoid overnight wear unless prescribed specifically for extended use.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes while wearing lenses.
Selecting Lens Type Carefully
Certain types of contact lenses provide better oxygen permeability and moisture retention:
| Lens Type | Description | Benefits for Healing Eyes |
|---|---|---|
| Softer Hydrogel Lenses | Mildly breathable plastic materials with water content. | Easier on sensitive eyes but lower oxygen flow than silicone hydrogels. |
| Silicone Hydrogel Lenses | Softer lenses with higher oxygen permeability. | Aids corneal health by allowing more oxygen during wear. |
| Dailies (Disposable) | Lenses discarded after one use; no cleaning needed. | Lowers infection risk; ideal during healing phases. |
Switching temporarily to daily disposables made from silicone hydrogel materials can minimize irritation if lens wear is unavoidable.
Treatment Options for Broken Blood Vessels in the Eye
Most subconjunctival hemorrhages resolve without intervention. Still, these steps support comfort and healing:
- Avoid rubbing your eyes: This prevents further trauma to fragile vessels.
- Cucumber slices or cold compresses: Can reduce swelling and soothe irritation initially (first day).
- Lubricating eye drops: Artificial tears help relieve dryness but avoid redness-relieving drops that constrict vessels as they may delay healing.
- Avoid blood thinners if possible: Only under doctor supervision; some medications increase bleeding risk.
If you experience frequent subconjunctival hemorrhages or have underlying conditions like hypertension or diabetes, consult an ophthalmologist promptly.
The Healing Timeline Explained
The red patch usually fades gradually over days:
- Days 1-3: Bright red appearance; some mild irritation possible.
- Days 4-7: Color changes from red to yellowish-green as blood breaks down; discomfort lessens significantly.
- Days 8-14: Complete resolution in most cases; white sclera returns normal color.
Patience is key here—forcing contact lens wear before full recovery may reset this timeline.
The Role of an Eye Care Professional
A thorough eye examination ensures no other damage accompanies the hemorrhage. Your optometrist or ophthalmologist will check for:
- The extent of bleeding and any associated trauma;
- The presence of foreign bodies;
- The health of cornea and retina;
They will advise when it’s safe to resume contact lens use based on your specific case. Never self-diagnose or self-treat serious symptoms such as vision loss or intense pain.
The Importance of Follow-Up Visits
Follow-up appointments allow monitoring of healing progress. If complications arise—like persistent redness beyond two weeks or recurring hemorrhages—they’ll investigate underlying causes such as hypertension or clotting disorders.
Your eye care provider may also recommend alternative vision correction methods temporarily if contacts aren’t advisable.
Navigating Contact Lens Use After Healing
Once your broken blood vessel has healed completely:
- Cleansing Routine: Maintain strict hygiene when handling lenses to prevent future issues;
- Lens Replacement Schedule: Stick closely to recommended replacement intervals;
- Avoid Overwearing Lenses: Limit daily wear time especially in dry environments;
- Adequate Hydration & Eye Drops: Use preservative-free artificial tears regularly;
These habits reduce strain on your eyes and minimize risks of new subconjunctival hemorrhages.
Key Takeaways: Can I Wear Contacts With A Broken Blood Vessel?
➤ Consult your eye doctor before wearing contacts with a break.
➤ Avoid contact lenses if your eye feels irritated or painful.
➤ Use lubricating drops to soothe your eye and reduce discomfort.
➤ Give your eye time to heal before resuming contact lens use.
➤ Monitor symptoms closely and seek care if they worsen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Wear Contacts With A Broken Blood Vessel in My Eye?
It is generally not recommended to wear contacts with a broken blood vessel in your eye. The area is more sensitive and wearing lenses can cause irritation, delay healing, and increase the risk of infection. It’s best to wait until the vessel has fully healed before resuming contact lens use.
How Does Wearing Contacts Affect a Broken Blood Vessel in the Eye?
Contacts reduce oxygen flow to the cornea and can cause dryness, which worsens redness and inflammation around the broken vessel. Additionally, lenses may introduce bacteria or cause friction that delays healing, making the eye more vulnerable during recovery.
What Are the Risks of Wearing Contacts With a Broken Blood Vessel?
Wearing contacts with a broken blood vessel can increase discomfort like itching or burning, raise infection risk due to compromised eye protection, and potentially worsen redness or cause corneal abrasions. These risks make it safer to avoid contacts until healing is complete.
When Is It Safe to Wear Contacts After a Broken Blood Vessel?
You should wait until the broken blood vessel has completely healed, which usually takes one to two weeks. If you experience any ongoing redness, discomfort, or vision changes, consult an eye care professional before resuming contact lens use.
Can I Use Eye Drops While Wearing Contacts With a Broken Blood Vessel?
Using eye drops with contacts on is generally not advised unless prescribed by your doctor. Some drops can interact with lenses or worsen irritation. It’s best to consult your eye care provider for appropriate treatment options during healing.
The Final Word – Can I Wear Contacts With A Broken Blood Vessel?
Wearing contacts with a broken blood vessel in your eye isn’t advisable until full healing occurs. The risks—such as increased irritation, infection potential, delayed recovery—far outweigh any convenience gained by continuing lens use prematurely. Switching temporarily to glasses gives your eyes vital rest.
Once healed completely—and only after consulting with an eye care professional—you can safely resume contact lens wear by adopting gentler practices like using daily disposables and lubricating drops regularly.
Prioritizing eye health over aesthetics ensures clear vision without complications down the road. So next time you wonder “Can I Wear Contacts With A Broken Blood Vessel?”, remember: patience plus proper care equals faster healing and safer lens wear ahead!