Yes, you can cry with contact lenses in, but there are some precautions you should take to avoid irritation or damage.
While tears themselves won't inherently harm your contact lenses, rubbing your eyes while crying can be problematic. Here's a breakdown:
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Tears are generally safe: Natural tears are mostly water and salt, similar to some contact lens solutions. Therefore, crying itself isn't usually a direct issue for your lenses.
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Rubbing is the real enemy: When you cry, especially if you're emotional, you're more likely to rub your eyes. This can dislodge the lens, scratch the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye), or introduce bacteria from your hands.
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Tissues and Irritation: Using tissues to wipe away tears can also cause problems. Small fibers from the tissue can get trapped under the lens, leading to irritation and discomfort.
Here are some tips for crying safely with contact lenses:
- Avoid rubbing: Resist the urge to rub your eyes. Gently blot away tears instead.
- Use artificial tears: If your eyes feel dry or irritated after crying, use rewetting drops (artificial tears) that are compatible with your contact lenses. This can help flush away any debris.
- Clean your lenses: If you suspect something might have gotten under your lens, remove, clean, and disinfect them according to your eye care professional's instructions.
- Consider daily disposables: If you're prone to crying frequently, consider wearing daily disposable lenses. You can simply discard them after crying, minimizing the risk of irritation or infection.
- Carry your glasses: Always keep your glasses with you in case your eyes become too irritated and you need to remove your lenses.
In summary, crying with contact lenses is generally okay as long as you avoid rubbing your eyes. Practice good hygiene and use rewetting drops to keep your eyes comfortable. If you experience persistent irritation, remove your lenses and consult your eye doctor.
