How soon can you wear contacts after pink eye?

According to WebMD, contacts should not be worn until the symptoms of pinkeye, also known as conjunctivitis, are completely gone. The time it takes pinkeye to disappear depends on whether or not the condition is viral or bacterial.

According to The American Optometric Association, viral pinkeye cannot be treated with medication and must run its course. While some cases of viral pinkeye clear up relatively quickly, other cases may take a few weeks to go away.

Bacterial pink eye requires medication. WebMD states that symptoms of bacterial pinkeye clear up within 24 hours of using antibiotics. However, it is best to avoid wearing contacts until the entire course of antibiotics is used.