Updated: January 14, 2026
Yes, you can have an eye infection while wearing contact lenses, because lenses can make it easier for germs to irritate or infect the cornea, especially if they are worn too long or not cleaned and stored correctly. Infections can start with mild discomfort and then get worse quickly, so it helps to take early symptoms seriously. If something feels off, the safest first step is to remove your lenses and switch to glasses until you are checked.
When to Stop and Call Your Eye Doctor:
- Remove your contacts right away if you have eye pain, increasing redness, or a gritty foreign body feeling.
- Get urgent care for light sensitivity, discharge, swelling, or sudden blurry vision.
- Do not keep wearing the lenses to “see if it improves,” because serious infections can worsen quickly.
- Do not rinse or store lenses in water, and avoid sleeping, swimming, or showering in contacts if you feel irritation.
- Bring your lenses, case, and solution to your appointment if your doctor asks, since they can help identify the cause.
Contact lens related infections are possible, so prompt lens removal and professional evaluation are important when symptoms suggest an infection.
Disclaimer: This information is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
References:
What Causes Contact Lens-related Eye Infections. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). https://www.cdc.gov/contact-lenses/causes/index.html. May 27, 2025.
Eye Infections From Contact Lenses. American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/contact-lens-related-eye-infections. September 11, 2024.
Contact Lens Risks. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/contact-lenses/contact-lens-risks. September 4, 2018.
