Why Contact Lens Wearers Are at Higher Risk for These 3 Common Eye Conditions

Do your eyes feel dry, red, or irritated after a long day in contact lenses? 

Ever wondered if you're doing something wrong or if this is just the “cost” of wearing contacts?

If you wear contact lenses, you're not alone, around 45 million people in the U.S. rely on them for daily vision correction. They’re convenient, invisible, and often more comfortable than glasses.

But here's what many people don’t realize: Contact lens wearers are at a higher risk for several common eye conditions, some of which can cause serious damage if ignored.

In this article, we’ll break down:

• The top 3 eye issues linked to contact lens wear

• What causes them

• How to prevent problems with smart habits and regular exams

• When to schedule a contact lens eye exam or contact lens fitting to protect your vision

Let’s make your contacts safer and your eyes healthier, starting now.

The Risk Is Real: What the Data Says

Before we dive into the conditions, here’s what the numbers show:

• 1 in every 500 contact lens users gets a serious eye infection every year.

• Improper contact lens use can cause Keratitis—a painful eye infection that affects over 1 million people annually.

• Many contact lens wearers admit to at least one hygiene mistake like sleeping in lenses, topping off solution, or not washing hands before handling lenses.

• Poor habits can lead to infections, corneal damage, or even vision loss.

So the question isn’t “Do contacts cause eye problems?”

It’s how to avoid eye problems with contact lenses and it starts with knowing the risks.

Condition #1: Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye happens when your tears can't lubricate your eyes well enough. Contact lenses can block oxygen flow and disrupt natural tear production, especially with extended wear.

Why Contact Lens Users Are at Risk:

• Contacts can soak up moisture, drying the surface of your eye

• Wearing lenses too long or in dry environments worsens the issue

• Poor contact lens fitting may cause friction and irritation

Symptoms:

• Redness

• Burning or stinging

• Blurry vision after long wear

Prevention Tips:

• Use rewetting drops recommended during a contact lens eye exam

• Ask your optometrist about moisture-retaining lens materials

• Always remove lenses before sleeping

Condition #2: Corneal Infections (Keratitis)

Keratitis is a serious eye infection that affects the cornea, the clear layer in the front of your eye. 

Wearing contact lenses overnight increases the risk of infection 6 to 8 times.

Why Do Contact Lens Users Get More Eye Infections?

• Lenses can trap bacteria, fungi, or parasites against your eye

• Sleeping in contacts multiplies the risk

• Topping off old solution instead of using fresh solution increases contamination

Using tap water or swimming in lenses can introduce Acanthamoeba, a dangerous organism that may cause blindness.

Prevention Tips:

• Follow a strict lens-cleaning routine

• Replace lens cases every 1–3 months

• Get regular checkups at optical shops that specialize in contact lens care

Condition #3: Corneal Ulcers

This is an open sore on the cornea, often caused by untreated infections or trauma from ill-fitting lenses.

Why It's Dangerous:

• Can lead to permanent vision damage

• Symptoms can appear suddenly: pain, discharge, light sensitivity

• Fast treatment is critical — delay can result in scarring

How Contact Lens Complications Lead to Ulcers:

• Poor hygiene

• Overuse of daily or extended-wear lenses

• Ignoring early signs like redness or irritation

Prevention Tips:

• Never use expired lenses or solutions

• Visit eyeglass shops or optical shops with qualified optometrists for yearly checks

• Upgrade your fit with a professional contact lens fitting

How to Avoid Eye Problems with Contact Lenses

Prevention is easy when you follow the basics. Here's what every contact wearer should do:

• Get a contact lens eye exam at least once a year

• Schedule a proper contact lens fitting, not all lenses fit the same

• Follow the cleaning instructions exactly as provided

• Never sleep or swim in your lenses unless approved by your eye doctor

• Avoid touching your eyes with unwashed hands

• Replace your lens case regularly

• Take out your lenses at the first sign of discomfort or redness

Following these contact lens safety tips not only protects your vision, it helps extend the life of your lenses too.

Why Professional Fitting and Exams Matter

Not all contact lenses are the same. 

Some materials retain more moisture. Some shapes fit better on certain corneas. And your eyes change over time, so what worked two years ago might not work now.

That’s why a professional contact lens fitting matters. It ensures your lenses:

• Match your current prescription

• Fit your eyes properly

• Don’t cause irritation, dryness, or infections

And a full contact lens eye exam checks for early signs of contact lens complications and prevention before they become serious.

In Conclusion

Contact lenses are safe but only when worn the right way.

That’s why regular checkups matter. At Albemarle Eye Center, our doctors provide expert contact lens eye exams, personalized contact lens fittings, and full support at our trusted optical shops and eyeglass shops.

We’re here to make sure your lenses work for you, not against you.

Schedule your contact lens exam or fitting today and keep your vision safe, clear, and comfortable for years to come.