Why Would My Contacts Give Me Red Eye?

If your eyes are healthy, they will be clear and white; when contacts give you red eyes, it is a sign that you need an adjustment. Solving the underlying problems--such as an allergic reaction to your contacts--should prevent you from getting red eyes.

Allergies

• If you have an allergic reaction to your contacts, or even something outside that is unrelated to your contacts, your eyes may redden as a symptom.

Dirt Deposits

• Over time, your contact lenses collect deposits of proteins, lipids, bacteria and dirt. Your eyes react to this by becoming red and irritated, which is their way of telling you to get a new pair.

Dry Eyes

• Red eyes are often a result of the most common complaint of contact lens wearers: dry eyes. Over time, soft contact lenses dehydrate, causing red eyes.

Lack of Oxygen

• Contact lenses sometimes block the oxygen supply to the eyes--especially after extended wear, when deposits build up and obscure oxygen flow--resulting in red, uncomfortable eyes.

Infection

• In rare cases, red eyes are a symptom of infection. If you experience blurred vision or eye discharge in addition to red eyes, remove your contact lenses immediately and see your optometrist for a diagnosis.