Eye infection from contact lenses: signs and treatment

Wearing contact lenses is safe for millions of people every day. But when something goes wrong, it usually goes wrong fast. An eye infection from contact lenses can develop quickly and, if left untreated, can lead to complications including vision loss. Knowing what to look for, and what to do about it, makes all the difference. 

This guide covers the most common types of contact lens-related eye infections, how to spot the early signs, and the treatment options available to you. 

At a glance 

Contact lens eye infections can escalate within hours, so speed matters. Here is what to watch for and what to do. 

1. Redness, pain, blurred vision, discharge, or light sensitivity are the main warning signs. 
2. Remove your lenses straight away and stop wearing them until you have been checked by an optometrist or GP. 
3. Sudden severe pain, rapid vision loss, or a white or grey spot on the cornea need urgent care the same day. 
4. Caught early, most infections clear up with prescription drops, antifungals, or antivirals. 

Can contact lenses cause eye infections? 

Yes, they can. Contact lenses sit directly on the surface of your eye, which means any bacteria, fungi, or parasites that hitch a ride on your lens have direct access to sensitive eye tissue. This does not mean contact lenses are inherently unsafe, but it does mean that how you handle and wear them matters enormously. 

The most common causes of contact lens-related infection include: 

5. Sleeping in lenses that are not approved for overnight or extended wear. 
6. Wearing lenses for longer than recommended. 
7. Using tap water to rinse or store lenses. 
8. Not replacing lens solution regularly. 
9. Handling lenses with unwashed hands. 
10. Swimming or showering while wearing contact lenses. 
11. Continuing to wear lenses when your eyes feel irritated or dry. 

If you are unsure about your current lens hygiene routine, our 6 simple steps to contact lens care is a good place to start. 

Types of eye infection from contact lenses 

Bacterial keratitis 

Bacterial keratitis is one of the most common and serious contact lens-related infections. It is an infection of the cornea, which is the clear front surface of your eye, typically caused by bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Staphylococcus aureus. Symptoms can worsen within hours, which is why prompt treatment is critical. Left untreated, it can progress to corneal ulcers and, in severe cases, permanent scarring or the need for a corneal transplant. 

Acanthamoeba keratitis 

This rarer but potentially sight-threatening infection is caused by a microscopic organism found in tap water, swimming pools, and even the air. It is almost exclusively associated with contact lens wear. The truth behind acanthamoeba explains the risks in more detail. 

Fungal keratitis 

Less common than bacterial keratitis, fungal infections of the cornea tend to develop more slowly and can be harder to diagnose. They are more likely to occur following an eye injury involving plant material, though contact lens use remains a contributing risk factor. 

Viral keratitis 

Viral keratitis, most often caused by the herpes simplex virus, is not exclusive to contact lens wearers but can be aggravated by lens wear, particularly if lenses are worn while the eye is already inflamed. It tends to cause similar symptoms to bacterial keratitis and also requires prompt medical attention. 

Conjunctivitis 

While not always serious, bacterial or viral conjunctivitis (commonly known as pink eye) can be aggravated by contact lens wear. It affects the conjunctiva, the thin, clear membrane covering the white of the eye and the inside of the eyelid. If you already have conjunctivitis, you should stop wearing your lenses until the infection has completely cleared. Everything you need to know about conjunctivitis covers the causes and treatment in full. 

Signs of an eye infection from contact lenses 

The early signs of a contact lens eye infection are easy to dismiss as everyday discomfort. That is part of what makes them dangerous. Do not ignore any of the following: 

12. Persistent redness or a red eye that does not settle after removing your lenses. 
13. Pain, discomfort, or itching that feels more intense than usual lens irritation. 
14. Sensitivity to light (photophobia). 
15. Blurred or decreased vision. 
16. Discharge or crusting around the eye. 
17. Swelling of the eyelid. 
18. A feeling that something is stuck in your eye. 
19. Watery eyes that are unusually excessive. 

These symptoms can escalate within 24 to 48 hours. If you experience any combination of these signs, remove your lenses immediately and seek advice from an optometrist or GP as soon as possible. 

When to seek urgent help 

Some situations require immediate attention. Do not wait for a routine appointment if you experience: 

20. Sudden, severe eye pain. 
21. A significant and rapid loss of vision. 
22. A white or grey spot on your cornea. 
23. Extreme sensitivity to light. 

In these cases, go to your nearest NHS urgent eye care service or accident and emergency department. Early treatment significantly improves outcomes for serious corneal infections. 

How are contact lens eye infections treated? 

Treatment depends on the type and severity of the infection. Your optometrist or ophthalmologist will examine your eye and may take a swab to identify the cause before recommending the most appropriate course of action. 

Antibiotic eye drops and ointments 

Bacterial infections are typically treated with prescription antibiotic eye drops, and sometimes ointments for use overnight. These may need to be applied every hour in severe cases, especially in the early stages of treatment. It is essential to complete the full course even if symptoms improve. 

Antifungal or antiparasitic treatment 

Fungal keratitis and acanthamoeba keratitis require specialist treatment, which can take weeks or even months to resolve. These cases are managed by ophthalmologists rather than high street optometrists. 

Stopping contact lens wear 

Regardless of the type of infection, you will need to stop wearing contact lenses until your eye has fully healed and your optometrist has confirmed it is safe to resume wear. In some cases, you may need to adjust your lens type or hygiene routine going forward. 

Steroid eye drops 

In some cases, steroid drops may be prescribed alongside antibiotics to reduce inflammation. These are only used under close medical supervision, as using steroids on an active infection without appropriate antibiotic cover can make things significantly worse. 

How to reduce your risk of eye infections from contact lenses 

Most contact lens-related infections are preventable. The following steps significantly reduce your risk for all contact lens wearers: 

24. Always wash your hands thoroughly before inserting or removing lenses. 
25. Never sleep in lenses unless they are specifically prescribed for overnight wear. 
26. Follow the recommended replacement schedule for your lenses. 
27. Never use tap water to clean, rinse, or store contact lenses or lens cases. 
28. Replace your lens case every one to three months and clean it daily. 
29. Always use fresh solution, and never top up old solution in your case. 
30. Remove lenses before swimming, showering, or using hot tubs. 
31. Never wear lenses beyond their expiry date. 
32. Attend regular contact lens check-ups with your optometrist. 

Not sure whether your current lenses are the right fit for your lifestyle? It might be worth considering whether daily or monthly contact lenses are better suited to your routine. 

What to do if a contact lens is stuck in your eye 

Trying to remove a stuck lens can cause small corneal abrasions that increase infection risk. If this happens to you, read our guide on what to do if a contact lens is stuck in your eye before attempting anything yourself. 

A note on dry eyes and infection risk 

Dry eyes can make the surface of your eye more vulnerable to infection because the tear film plays an important role in protecting against bacteria and other pathogens. Artificial tears can help manage mild dryness day to day, but if you regularly experience dryness while wearing lenses, it is worth addressing the underlying cause. Our guide to dry eye syndrome explains the causes and options available. 

The bottom line 

An eye infection from contact lenses is not something to push through or hope will resolve on its own. Symptoms can escalate quickly, and early treatment makes a real difference to outcomes. If something does not feel right with your eyes, trust that instinct, remove your lenses, and get professional advice. 

If you have questions about contact lens safety or eye health, our Ask Our Opticians section is a great resource. 

FAQs 

Can contact lenses cause an eye infection? 

Yes, contact lenses can cause an eye infection, because they sit directly on the surface of the eye and can carry bacteria, fungi, or other organisms if they are not stored, cleaned, or worn correctly. 

How do you know if you have an eye infection from contact lenses? 

You know you have an eye infection from contact lenses if you notice persistent redness, pain or irritation, light sensitivity, blurred vision, discharge, or swelling that does not settle once your lenses are removed. 

How long does a contact lens eye infection take to heal? 

How long a contact lens eye infection takes to heal depends on the type and severity, but mild bacterial infections can start to improve within days of treatment beginning, while fungal or acanthamoeba keratitis can take weeks or months to fully resolve. 

Should you throw away your contact lenses if you get an eye infection? 

Yes, you should throw away the lenses, case, and solution that were in use at the time of the infection, and avoid wearing contact lenses again until your optometrist confirms your eyes have fully healed. 

Can an eye infection from contact lenses go away on its own? 

An eye infection from contact lenses is unlikely to go away on its own and can worsen quickly without treatment, so it is important to seek advice from an optometrist or GP as soon as symptoms appear rather than waiting to see if they improve. 

When should you see a doctor for a contact lens eye infection? 

You should see a doctor for a contact lens eye infection straight away if you have sudden or severe eye pain, a rapid loss of vision, a white or grey spot on the cornea, or extreme sensitivity to light, as these signs need urgent same day attention.