Would Motrin (ibuprofen) help with red, irritated eyes after wearing contact lenses?

Management of Red, Irritated Eyes After Contact Lens Wear

Motrin (ibuprofen) is not recommended as primary treatment for red, irritated eyes after contact lens wear, as it does not address the underlying causes which may include infection, inflammation, or corneal damage requiring specific ophthalmic treatments.

Initial Assessment and Management

When experiencing red, irritated eyes after contact lens wear, follow these steps:

1. Remove contact lenses immediately and do not reuse them 1
2. Discontinue contact lens wear until the eye returns to normal 2
3. Seek prompt medical attention if symptoms include:
   • Redness
   • Pain
   • Tearing
   • Increased light sensitivity
   • Blurry vision
   • Discharge
   • Swelling 2, 1

Treatment Approach

First-line Treatment

• Topical broad-spectrum antibiotics are recommended to prevent bacterial keratitis, which is a serious risk with contact lens-related eye irritation 2, 1
  • Standard dosing for tobramycin 0.3% ophthalmic solution: 1-2 drops every 1-2 hours while awake for first 24-48 hours, then 1-2 drops 4-6 times daily until resolution 1
  • Treatment should continue for at least 7 days, even if symptoms improve sooner 1

Additional Treatments

• For mild cases with inflammation but no signs of infection:
  • A brief (1-2 weeks) course of topical corticosteroids may be prescribed 2
  • Preservative-free artificial tears may help with symptoms 2

For Severe Cases

• If severe infection is suspected or symptoms worsen:
  • Fortified antibiotics may be necessary 2, 1
  • Cultures may be needed to guide antibiotic selection 2

Why Motrin Is Not Primary Treatment

While Motrin (ibuprofen) may help with discomfort, it:

• Does not address the underlying cause of eye irritation
• Will not prevent potential infection, which is the primary concern
• May mask worsening symptoms, potentially delaying necessary treatment

Prevention After Resolution

Once the eye irritation resolves:

• Clean and replace contact lens cases every 3 months 2, 1
• Use only sterile products specifically for contact lens care 2
• Replace solution in cases each time lenses are disinfected 2
• Consider switching to daily disposable lenses 2
• Avoid overnight wear of contact lenses (5x increased risk of infection) 2, 1
• Avoid wearing contacts while swimming, showering, or using hot tubs 2, 1

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Delaying medical attention when experiencing symptoms
• Using tap water or homemade saline to rinse lenses or cases 2
• "Topping off" old contact lens solution with new solution 2
• Continuing to wear contacts despite symptoms 2
• Inadequate dosing frequency of prescribed medications 1
• Premature discontinuation of antibiotic treatment 1

When to Seek Immediate Medical Care

Seek emergency care if symptoms worsen or include:

• Severe pain
• Significant decrease in vision
• Increasing redness or discharge
• Development of a white spot on the cornea (potential ulcer) 2, 1

Remember that contact lens-related eye problems can rapidly progress to sight-threatening conditions if not properly treated.