Ambulance 912HAP 9252
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General health information

Contact lens problems

A red, painful or watery eye associated with contact lenses can range from irritation to a serious corneal infection. Remove your lenses immediately if symptoms develop and do not wear them again until a doctor or optometrist considers it safe. Pain, sensitivity to light, blurred vision or a white spot on the eye may indicate keratitis or a corneal ulcer and need prompt assessment. Do not use old drops or old lenses, and keep the lens and case if the doctor wants to examine them.

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  • A red or painful eye in a contact lens wearer may start mildly but can quickly become serious.
  • The most important first step is to remove lenses immediately and not wear them again.
  • Pain, sensitivity to light, blurred vision or a white spot on the eye may indicate keratitis or a corneal ulcer.
  • A corneal infection can quickly cause damage and sometimes permanent loss of vision.
  • Do not use old eye drops, old lenses or tap water on lenses or the lens case.
  • For urgent symptoms outside office hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediate threat to life.

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Further reading

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E
EpiscleritisEpiscleritis is usually mild inflammation of the thin tissue between the conjunctiva and the white of the eye. It often causes a sudden local red patch, irritation and mild tenderness without reduced vision. A red eye with severe deep pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision, contact-lens use or injury needs prompt assessment because a more serious cause may be present.
R
Red eyeA red eye is a symptom with many causes. Itching or discharge is often harmless, but pain, sensitivity to light, worsening vision, contact lens use, an abnormal pupil, a newborn baby or an eye injury requires prompt assessment.
H
Herpes eye infectionHerpes viruses can inflame the cornea and other parts of the eye. A red painful eye, light sensitivity or blurred vision needs prompt assessment by an ophthalmologist. Early antiviral treatment helps limit damage; ordinary antibiotics do not work against herpes viruses.