Wearing contact lenses is a safe and effective way to correct vision. Unfortunately, if not worn or taken care of properly, they can also significantly increase your risk of developing an eye infection. If you're wondering, "Could my contacts cause an eye infection?"—the answer is yes. Fortunately, our Avondale eye care team at Estrella Mountain Eye Care discuss below the clear warning signs to watch for and simple steps you can take to protect your eye health.
Could My Contacts Cause an Eye Infection?
Yes—improper contact lens hygiene is one of the leading causes of contact lens infections. When lenses aren’t cleaned properly, are stored in unclean cases, or worn longer than recommended, harmful bacteria, fungi, or parasites can thrive. These microorganisms can enter the eye and trigger infections, some of which can cause lasting vision damage if not treated promptly.
Other risk factors include:
- Sleeping in lenses not approved for overnight wear
- Swimming or showering while wearing lenses
- Touching lenses with unwashed hands
- Using expired or non-sterile cleaning solutions
What Eye Health and Vision Symptoms Should I Watch For?
Recognizing the signs of a contact lens infection early is essential. Infections can progress quickly, so it's important to pay close attention to any discomfort or changes in your vision. Common eye infection symptoms include:
- Persistent eye redness that doesn’t improve
- Burning, stinging, or gritty sensation in the eye
- Excessive tearing or discharge
- Blurred or decreased vision
- Eye pain or increased light sensitivity
- A feeling like something is stuck in your eye
If you experience these symptoms—especially if they worsen over a few hours—it’s important to remove your contact lenses immediately and avoid wearing them until you’ve seen a professional.
When Should I See a Doctor?
You should schedule an appointment with our Avondale eye care team at the first sign of symptoms. If the eye becomes red, painful, or produces discharge, don’t wait. Early eye infection treatment is critical to prevent complications like corneal ulcers or scarring.
During your visit, we will examine your eyes, check for signs of infection, and may prescribe antibiotic or antifungal drops depending on the cause.
You should also stop wearing your contacts while your eye is infected. Continued use of contact lenses during an infection can make symptoms worse and delay healing.
How to Prevent Contact Lens Infections
Prevention starts with excellent contact lens hygiene. Follow these best practices to keep your lenses clean and your eyes healthy:
- Always wash and dry your hands before touching your lenses.
- Clean and store lenses in fresh solution every day. Never reuse old solution.
- Replace your contact lens case every 1–3 months.
- Remove your lenses before sleeping (unless they’re specifically designed for overnight wear).
- Avoid swimming or showering in contact lenses.
- Stick to your replacement schedule—don’t extend the life of daily, bi-weekly, or monthly lenses.
Following these steps dramatically reduces your risk of developing a contact lens infection, and helps ensure your eyes stay comfortable, clear, and healthy.
Visit Us for Safe and Comfortable Contact Lens Wear
If you’re concerned about eye redness from contact lenses, or think you may have a contact lens infection, don’t delay care. At Estrella Mountain Eye Care, our compassionate team is here to help diagnose and treat eye infections promptly and safely. We also offer personalized lens fittings and hygiene education to help you avoid future problems.
Schedule your appointment today to protect your vision and enjoy clear, healthy sight with every blink.
