Contact Lens Safety: Preventing Eye Infections

Bacterial keratitis is the most common contact lens-related infection. It occurs when bacteria such as Pseudomonas or Staphylococcus penetrate the corneal surface, often through a tiny abrasion caused by a lens. Symptoms include pain, redness, light sensitivity, and blurred vision. Bacterial keratitis typically responds well to antibiotic eye drops when caught early, but delays in treatment can lead to corneal scarring.

Fungal keratitis develops more slowly than bacterial infections and is often linked to exposure to plant material, soil, or contaminated lens solutions. Symptoms may be subtle at first, with gradually worsening pain and vision changes over days to weeks. Treatment requires prolonged courses of antifungal medication, and outcomes depend heavily on how quickly the infection is diagnosed.

Acanthamoeba keratitis is a rare but severe infection caused by a free-living parasite found in water sources including tap water, swimming pools, and hot tubs. This infection is notoriously painful and can be resistant to treatment, sometimes requiring months of intensive therapy. Avoiding water contact with your lenses is the most effective way to prevent this condition.

Giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC) is an inflammatory reaction that can develop in contact lens wearers, causing itching, mucus discharge, and lens intolerance. While not a true infection, GPC is often triggered by protein buildup on lenses or an immune response to lens material. Patients experiencing persistent dryness and discomfort with contact lenses should have their eyes evaluated to rule out GPC and other surface conditions.

Sleeping in contact lenses significantly reduces the amount of oxygen reaching your cornea, creating conditions that favor bacterial growth. Even lenses approved for extended wear carry a higher infection risk when slept in compared to daily removal. If you accidentally fall asleep in your lenses, remove them as soon as you wake up and allow your eyes to rest before reinserting a fresh pair.

Warning signs include eye pain that worsens rather than improves after removing your lenses, redness that does not resolve within a few hours, sensitivity to light, excessive tearing, blurred vision, and discharge. A white or grayish spot on the cornea may indicate an ulcer forming. If you experience any combination of these symptoms, remove your lenses and contact our office promptly.

Remove your lenses right away if you experience sudden sharp pain, a noticeable decline in vision, the sensation that something is trapped under the lens, or significant redness that appears while wearing your lenses. You should also remove contacts before using any eye drops that are not specifically labeled as safe for use with lenses. Patients managing seasonal allergies with antihistamine eye drops should follow their eye doctor's guidance on timing drops around lens wear.

Hydrogen peroxide-based systems provide excellent disinfection and are a strong choice for patients with sensitive eyes or solution allergies. Multipurpose solutions are convenient and effective when used with proper rub-and-rinse technique. Our contact lens specialists can recommend the best solution based on your lens type and eye health during your contact lens fitting appointment.

It is best to remove your contact lenses before showering. Shower water is not sterile, and the spray can deposit water droplets directly onto your lenses. If removing lenses before every shower is impractical, keep your eyes closed as much as possible and avoid letting water stream directly into your face.

Remove your contacts as a first step and do not reinsert them until the redness resolves. Mild redness that clears within an hour or two after lens removal is often caused by dryness, minor irritation, or extended screen time. However, redness accompanied by pain, discharge, or vision changes should not be dismissed. Schedule an appointment so we can examine your eyes and rule out infection.