Redness Around the Pupil: Managing Contact Lens Discomfort

Q: Redness Around the Pupil: Managing Contact Lens Discomfort

Hello Mr. <br>Lin： The redness in your eyes is likely unrelated to your blood pressure; it is primarily due to the dilation of blood vessels in response to irritation, which is a normal phenomenon. <br>Once the irritation subsides, the redness will naturally resolve. <br>When rem

Bloodshot eyes with redness around the black pupil?

Hello, Dr.
Gao! I have a 10-year history of wearing contact lenses, but due to the pandemic, I have significantly reduced their use.
Last October and November, I experienced recurrent eye inflammation and followed my doctor's advice to use prescribed eye drops.
I also used single-dose artificial tears, but now I try to avoid using them, fearing that my tear glands may not produce tears on their own.
Currently, my eyes are slightly red, and I haven't used artificial tears...
Whenever they are red, I manage to make it disappear by resting for 5 to 10 minutes.
Since January 2021, I have been wearing high oxygen-permeable silicone hydrogel contact lenses.
However, in early February, I had a small corneal abrasion, and after a long period of rest without wearing contacts, it has healed.
At that time, the doctor mentioned that there was no neovascularization in my eyes.

My question is: for aesthetic reasons during a meeting, I wore clear silicone hydrogel lenses for only 1 hour yesterday and 30 minutes today.
On both days, I did not experience any redness while wearing them.
However, when I removed the lenses, my eyes turned red, particularly around the edges of the pupil.
I am very concerned...
But after resting for 5 to 10 minutes, the redness disappears.
I also did not feel any dryness or pain while wearing the lenses, and there was no redness during wear.
Dr.
Gao, what should I do? I feel anxious and nervous about wearing contact lenses now, fearing that my eyes will turn red...
It seems that the more anxious I feel, the more likely my eyes are to become red...
Thank you very much!

Mr. Lin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/06/25

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello Mr.
Lin: The redness in your eyes is likely unrelated to your blood pressure; it is primarily due to the dilation of blood vessels in response to irritation, which is a normal phenomenon.
Once the irritation subsides, the redness will naturally resolve.
When removing contact lenses, be careful not to touch the cornea or conjunctiva with your fingers; instead, only grasp the part of the lens.
This will help minimize irritation and reduce redness.
This type of redness is not a major concern and should fade after a short rest.
Online responses should only be used as a reference; if necessary, it is best to seek medical attention at a healthcare facility.
I hope to have the opportunity to assist you.
Best regards, Gao Pi-Lin.

Reply Date: 2021/06/25

More Info

It's understandable to feel anxious about your eye health, especially after experiencing discomfort and redness associated with contact lens wear. Based on your history of wearing contact lenses for ten years, along with recent issues such as inflammation and corneal abrasions, it's crucial to approach this situation with care and knowledge.

First, it's important to recognize that redness around the pupil, particularly after wearing contact lenses, can be attributed to several factors. The most common causes include dryness, irritation, and potential allergic reactions to the lenses or the solutions used for cleaning and storing them. Given that you have switched to high oxygen-permeable silicone hydrogel lenses, you are already taking a positive step toward reducing the risk of hypoxia (lack of oxygen) to the cornea, which can lead to redness and discomfort.

The fact that you experience redness only after removing the lenses, and that it resolves after a short period of rest, suggests that your eyes may be reacting to the lenses or the environment rather than a serious underlying condition. This transient redness could be due to a few reasons:
1. Mechanical Irritation: Contact lenses can sometimes cause mechanical irritation to the surface of the eye, especially if they are not perfectly fitted or if there is any debris trapped under the lens. Even high-quality lenses can cause discomfort if they are not cleaned properly or if they are worn for longer than recommended.

2. Dryness: Even with silicone hydrogel lenses, some individuals may still experience dryness, particularly if they are not using artificial tears or if they are in a dry environment. The fact that you have reduced your use of artificial tears out of concern for your tear production could be contributing to this issue. It's essential to find a balance; using preservative-free artificial tears can help maintain moisture without affecting your natural tear production.

3. Allergic Reactions: Sometimes, the materials in contact lenses or the solutions used can cause allergic reactions, leading to redness and discomfort. If you have recently changed brands or types of lenses or solutions, this could be a factor.

4. Corneal Health: Since you mentioned a previous corneal abrasion, it’s vital to ensure that your cornea is healthy. Any previous damage can make the eye more sensitive to contact lens wear. Regular check-ups with your eye care professional are essential to monitor your corneal health.

Given your anxiety about wearing contact lenses and the associated redness, here are some recommendations:
- Consult Your Eye Care Professional: Since you have a history of eye issues, it’s crucial to have regular check-ups. Your eye care provider can assess the health of your cornea and determine if your current lenses are suitable for you.

- Consider Lens Hygiene: Ensure that you are following proper hygiene practices when handling your lenses. This includes washing your hands before touching your lenses, using the recommended cleaning solutions, and replacing your lenses as directed.

- Use Artificial Tears: If dryness is a concern, consider using preservative-free artificial tears regularly, even when you are not wearing your lenses. This can help maintain moisture and comfort in your eyes.

- Limit Wear Time: If you are experiencing redness after wearing lenses, consider limiting the time you wear them, especially if you are feeling anxious. Gradually increasing the wear time can help your eyes adjust.

- Stay Calm: Anxiety can exacerbate feelings of discomfort. Practicing relaxation techniques or mindfulness can help reduce your anxiety about wearing contact lenses.

In summary, while it’s normal to experience some redness after wearing contact lenses, especially if you have a history of eye issues, it’s essential to monitor your symptoms closely. If the redness persists or worsens, or if you experience any pain or vision changes, seek immediate advice from your eye care professional. They can provide tailored recommendations and ensure that your eyes remain healthy while you enjoy the benefits of contact lenses.

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