Managing Eye Redness in Children After Contact Lens Care - Ophthalmology

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Bloodshot eyes


Hello, this morning when I was helping my child remove the orthokeratology lenses, the suction stick accidentally came into contact with a bit of AO hydrogen peroxide solution.
My child immediately reacted with pain, so I rinsed the eye with a large amount of saline solution, and after rinsing, the pain subsided.
Later, I applied some "Ciprofloxacin eye drops" that the doctor previously prescribed, along with cold compresses, but by the afternoon, there were still blood vessels visible in the eye.
My child said there was no pain and felt comfortable.
Should I consider stopping the lens wear for 1-2 days to observe? Thank you, doctor!

Mai, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/06/19

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology


Hello Mai: If there is no pain, you can observe the situation, as blood-tinged discharge is normal and should disappear within a day.
After rinsing with hydrogen peroxide solution, it should not cause any issues.
You can still wear it without any problem.
Online responses should only be used as a reference; if necessary, you should visit a medical facility for treatment.
I hope to have the opportunity to serve you.
Gao Pi-Lin

Reply Date: 2021/06/19

More Info


When it comes to managing eye redness in children after contact lens care, particularly following an incident where a child accidentally came into contact with a solution like AO (hydrogen peroxide) while removing corneal reshaping lenses, it is crucial to take appropriate steps to ensure their eye health and comfort.

First and foremost, it is good to hear that you immediately rinsed the child's eye with a large amount of saline solution. This is a critical first step in managing any potential irritation or injury caused by exposure to chemicals. Hydrogen peroxide can be particularly irritating to the eyes, and flushing it out promptly can help minimize damage.

After rinsing, the use of a prescribed eye drop like "Keratoconjunctivitis" (often referred to as "Keratitis" or "Keratoconjunctivitis" drops) can be beneficial. These drops are typically used to soothe irritation and reduce inflammation. Ice packs can also provide relief by reducing swelling and discomfort. However, it is essential to monitor the child's symptoms closely.

The presence of blood vessels (redness) in the eye, known as conjunctival injection, can occur due to several reasons, including irritation from the chemical exposure, dryness, or even fatigue from wearing contact lenses. Since the child reports no pain or discomfort, this is a positive sign, but it does not eliminate the need for caution.

Here are some recommendations for managing the situation:
1. Observation: It is wise to observe the child’s eye for a day or two. If the redness persists but there are no other symptoms (such as pain, discharge, or vision changes), it may simply be a result of irritation that will resolve on its own.

2. Avoid Contact Lens Use: Given the recent incident and the current redness, it would be prudent to refrain from using contact lenses for at least 1-2 days. This allows the eye to recover and reduces the risk of further irritation or complications.

3. Hydration and Rest: Encourage the child to stay hydrated and to rest their eyes. Limiting screen time and ensuring they take breaks from activities that require intense focus can help reduce eye strain.

4. Follow-Up: If the redness does not improve within a couple of days, or if any new symptoms develop (such as increased redness, pain, or vision changes), it is essential to consult an eye care professional. They can perform a thorough examination to rule out any serious issues and provide appropriate treatment.

5. Education on Eye Care: This incident can serve as a learning opportunity for both you and your child about the importance of proper contact lens care and handling. Ensuring that the child understands the need to avoid contact with solutions that are not meant for direct eye contact can help prevent future incidents.

In summary, while the immediate response to rinse the eye was appropriate, monitoring the situation closely and allowing the eye some time to recover without contact lens use is advisable. If there are any concerns or if symptoms worsen, seeking professional medical advice is always the best course of action.

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