Can I Wear Contact Lenses with a Broken Blood Vessel?
A broken blood vessel in the eye, also known as a subconjunctival hemorrhage, can be alarming but is usually harmless. It occurs when a small blood vessel on the surface of the eye ruptures, causing blood to leak into the surrounding tissue. While it may look unsightly, a broken blood vessel typically resolves on its own within a few weeks.
However, if you wear contact lenses, you may wonder if it’s safe to continue wearing them. The answer depends on the severity of the broken blood vessel and whether it affects the contact lens wear.
Contact Lens Wear and Broken Blood Vessels
In general, it’s recommended to avoid wearing contact lenses if you have a broken blood vessel in the eye. Here’s why:
- Contact lenses can irritate the eye. The rough edges of the contact lens can rub against the broken blood vessel and cause further irritation, which can delay healing.
- Contact lenses can trap blood under the lens. This can lead to discomfort and potentially increase the risk of infection.
- Contact lenses can increase the risk of infection. If the broken blood vessel is accompanied by any type of infection, wearing contact lenses can increase the risk of spreading the infection to other parts of the eye.
When to Wear Contact Lenses
If your broken blood vessel is small and doesn’t affect the contact lens wear, you may be able to wear contact lenses after a few days. However, it’s important to monitor the healing process and stop wearing contact lenses if you experience any discomfort or irritation.
Tips for Contact Lens Wearers
If you must wear contact lenses with a broken blood vessel, here are some tips to minimize discomfort and prevent complications:
- Use a saline solution to rinse your contact lenses thoroughly before inserting them.
- Avoid wearing contact lenses for extended periods of time.
- Discontinue contact lens wear if you experience any discomfort or irritation.
- See your eye doctor if the broken blood vessel persists or worsens.
Expert Advice
- Dr. Amy Folger, an ophthalmologist at the University of Michigan, advises patients with broken blood vessels to “avoid wearing contact lenses until the blood vessel has healed.”
- Dr. Andrew Morgan, an optometrist at the Cleveland Clinic, recommends using a saline solution to rinse contact lenses and avoiding wearing contact lenses for long periods of time if a broken blood vessel is present.
FAQs
Q: How long does a broken blood vessel in the eye take to heal?
A: Most broken blood vessels in the eye heal within 1-2 weeks.
Q: Can a broken blood vessel in the eye cause permanent damage?
A: Broken blood vessels in the eye are usually harmless and do not cause permanent damage.
Q: What should I do if I have a broken blood vessel in the eye that is accompanied by pain or vision changes?
A: If you have a broken blood vessel in the eye that is accompanied by pain, vision changes, or any other unusual symptoms, see your eye doctor as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Broken blood vessels in the eye are usually harmless and resolve on their own within a few weeks. However, it’s important to avoid wearing contact lenses if you have a broken blood vessel, as it can delay healing and increase the risk of irritation or infection. If you have any concerns about a broken blood vessel in your eye, don’t hesitate to contact your eye doctor.
Do you have any questions or concerns about wearing contact lenses with a broken blood vessel? Leave a comment below and let’s discuss.
Source Image: www.ecvaeyecare.com
Source Image: www.ecvaeyecare.com
Source Image: www.ecvaeyecare.com
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