What are the warning signs that necessitate removing contact lenses and calling a doctor?

You should remove your contact lenses immediately and contact your eye doctor if you notice any changes in your vision, if your eyes become red, if you experience worsening pain in or around the eyes, or if your eyes are unusually watery or discharging. These symptoms may indicate a problem that requires urgent medical evaluation to avoid potential complications [5].

When should you remove contact lenses immediately?

Contact lenses are medical devices that assist in correcting vision but require careful handling. If any of the following symptoms occur, you must remove your contact lenses immediately and stop wearing them until you consult your eye doctor:

• Changes in vision: If your vision suddenly becomes blurry, or you notice a sudden decrease in visual acuity, this may be an indicator of a problem requiring immediate attention [4].
• Eye redness: Persistent or irritated eye redness may be a sign of inflammation or irritation that requires medical evaluation [4].
• Worsening pain in or around the eye: Any feeling of increasing pain in or around the eye, even after removing the lens, warrants seeking medical help [5].
• Increased tearing or eye discharge: If your eyes begin to water excessively or produce unusual discharge, it could be a reaction to irritation or an infection [5].
• Sensitivity to light: Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia) may indicate an eye problem [5].

Remember that contact lenses, even cosmetic ones, are medical devices that require a prescription and follow-up from an eye care specialist to ensure the safety of your eyes [1].

Practical steps when warning signs appear

When you notice any of the aforementioned warning signs, follow these steps:

1. Remove the lenses immediately: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, then gently remove the contact lenses [4].
2. Avoid wearing them again: Do not attempt to reinsert the same lenses or any other lenses until your eyes have been examined by an eye doctor [5].
3. Keep the lenses: If possible, keep the lenses you were wearing in a clean case with fresh solution, as the doctor may need to examine them.
4. Contact your eye doctor: Call your eye doctor immediately to explain the symptoms and schedule an examination. Do not ignore these signs, as delay may lead to the problem worsening [4].

The importance of proper lens care to avoid complications

To reduce the risk of these warning signs appearing, it is essential to adhere to the contact lens care instructions provided by your eye doctor. This includes washing your hands before touching the lenses, using only the recommended lens solution for storing and rinsing, and changing the lens case every 3–6 months [4]. You should also avoid using contact lenses while swimming or bathing in hot tubs to reduce the risk of infection [4]. For more information on contact lens care, you can visit Contact Lenses: A Comprehensive Guide to Selection, Care, and Avoiding Complications (Arabic).

When is the problem serious and requires urgent medical care?

In some cases, symptoms may be more serious and require emergency medical care. If you are experiencing worsening pain in or around the eye, light sensitivity, sudden blurred vision, or unusual eye discharge, you must remove the contact lenses and contact your eye doctor immediately [5]. These symptoms may indicate serious conditions such as microbial keratitis, which can lead to vision loss or the need for a corneal transplant in severe cases if not treated quickly [5].

Medical references

• Contact Lenses for Vision Correction
• Contact Lens Care | FDA
• What Causes Contact Lens-related Eye Infections | Healthy Contact Lens Wear and Care | CDC