“Can contact lenses cause eye infections?”
I want to get my first pair of contact lenses, but I've heard some horror stories. Are they safe? Can contact lenses cause eye infections?
11 Answers
Yes
Contact lenses are safe if used and cleaned properly. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions on contact lens care.
Contacts are safe if used correctly. The misuse of contact can cause severe eye infections.
Contact lenses do not cause eye infections. People who do not take proper care of the contact lenses are responsible for the infection. If you put a dirty lens into the eye, who is responsible, the dirty lens or the person putting the dirt lens into the eye?
Yes, they can be safe when fit and used properly. And yes, they can and do cause infections. Follow your knowledgeable and experienced doctor’s recommendations. Unfortunately, sometimes those infections can cause permanent vision loss. Any signs of redness, pain, blurry vision or anything unusual call your doctor immediately. Other options to consider that are also safe and effective are glasses and laser vision correction such as LASIK if you are a candidate.
All the best to you!
Fred Mattioli, MD
All the best to you!
Fred Mattioli, MD
Yes, if you sleep on them or overwear them.
Yes. Contact lenses are foreign, so if they are not cared for, they can cause a corneal ulcer, a very serious sight threatening infection. If there's any redness or discomfort, they should be removed.
Contact lenses are safe, but they do require good hygiene and appropriate care. If one does not take appropriate hygiene precautions, an infection could develop.
Abuse of contact lenses causes a great many significant problems, including infections. Disposables are best because you use a fresh pair every day. Do not sleep in them, a real no-no. Almost all the problems I encountered were due to overwear. 12 hours max a day.
Yes, contact lenses can cause eye infections if NOT properly wearing them according to the contact lens wearing schedule determined by your eye care professional and the particular contact lens. Remember contact lenses are medical devices that you are wearing on your eyes that can affect the ocular health of your cornea (the ocular structure located in the front part of your eye that focuses the incoming light). For example, not properly cleaning and storing certain types of contact lenses can cause possible eye infections.
Yes, it’s possible if you do not care for them in a hygienic manner. Clean them every night, do not wear them to sleep, etc. Follow instructions to the letter.
