Over 45 million Americans wear contact lenses, many of whom develop associated eye issues, including keratitis and other infections, through improper contact lens safety and hygiene. The vision health advocacy organization Prevent Blindness has declared the month of October Contact Lens Safety Month to help further educate contact lens wearers on proper safety and maintenance of their contacts. 

Contact lenses are classified as medical devices, and it is important for consumers to use them safely and under the direction of an eye care professional. Prevent Blindness is encouraging self-advocacy and patient empowerment by providing insights as to what issues cause infection and how to avoid them. 

Common Causes of Contact Lens-Related Eye Infection

There are multiple ways in which contact lenses can contribute to the likelihood of eye infection, including but not limited to: 

• Using extended-wear lenses
• Sleeping with your lenses in your eyes 
• A build-up of microbes under the lens
• Diagnosis of the herpes virus
• Built-up bacteria, fungi, or parasites
• Failing to keep lenses or cases clean
• Reusing or topping off contact lens solution

Patients can prevent these issues by working with their doctors to learn proper cleaning and maintenance of their contacts. 

Risk of Keratitis through Contact Lenses 

Contact lens wearers who don’t exercise proper hygiene are also at greater risk for both infectious and noninfectious keratitis, also known as corneal ulcer. Keratitis occurs when the cornea gets significantly inflamed. Symptoms include: 

• Pain or redness in the eye
• Excess tears or other discharge from the eye
• Difficulty opening your eyelid because of pain or irritation
• Blurred vision
• Impaired vision
• Sensitivity to light (also called photophobia)

Keratitis can also create the sensation of having something in your eye. The condition can lead to permanent vision loss if not properly treated. Seek medical attention right away. 

Common Contact Lens Safety Tips for Infection Prevention 

You can help protect yourself from irritation, discomfort, and infection related to contact lenses through simple actions, such as: 

• Changing your contact lens case regularly
• Taking your contacts out before going to bed
• Removing your contacts before swimming or showering
• Thoroughly washing hands with soap and hot water before touching your contacts 
• Yearly exams from your eye doctor or whenever you need to change your contacts

You can get involved in Contact Lens Safety Month by educating yourself on proper contact lens hygiene and maintenance and sharing important information with contact lens wearers in person and on social media. 

*October Declared as Contact Lens Safety Month by Prevent Blindness to Provide Public with Information on How to Keep Eyes Healthy. (2020, September 22). Prevent Blindness. https://preventblindness.org/october-2020-contact-lens-safety/