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What Is the Risk of Infection from Contact Lenses?

While contact lenses are safe for most people, they do carry a real risk of infection. The most serious common infection is microbial keratitis, a painful infection of the cornea. Statistics show that the annual incidence of this infection is about 2 to 4 cases per 10,000 daily wearers. However, for people who sleep in their lenses, this risk jumps significantly to about 20 cases per 10,000 people per year.

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What Is the Risk of Infection from Contact Lenses?

While contact lenses are safe for most people, they do carry a real risk of infection. The most serious common infection is microbial keratitis, a painful infection of the cornea. Statistics show that the annual incidence of this infection is about 2 to 4 cases per 10,000 daily wearers. However, for people who sleep in their lenses, this risk jumps significantly to about 20 cases per 10,000 people per year.

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The Widespread Issue of Poor Hygiene

Infections are rarely caused by the lenses themselves, but by how they are used. A major CDC report found that 99% of contact lens wearers admitted to at least one risky hygiene behavior. This includes things like failing to wash hands, reusing old solution, or using expired cases. These bad habits create a breeding ground for bacteria, which is why nearly 1 million doctor visits for eye infections occur in the U.S. each year.

Sleeping in Lenses: The Biggest Risk Factor

Sleeping in contact lenses is the single most dangerous habit for a wearer. Data indicates that sleeping in lenses increases the risk of an eye infection by 6 to 8 times. When your eyes are closed at night, the cornea gets less oxygen and less tear fluid to wash away germs. Trapping bacteria under a lens in this environment allows infections to take hold rapidly.

Water Exposure and Acanthamoeba

Water is a major enemy of contact lenses. Tap water, swimming pools, and hot tubs contain microbes that are harmless to drink but dangerous to the eye. One specific threat is Acanthamoeba, a tiny parasite found in water that can cause a devastating, blinding infection. Studies show that exposure to water while wearing lenses is a leading risk factor for this rare but severe condition.

The Danger of "Topping Off" Solution

One of the most common risky behaviors is "topping off," which means adding fresh solution to the old liquid left in the case. Surveys show that more than 50% of wearers do this. This habit dilutes the disinfectant power of the new solution, rendering it ineffective against bacteria. To be safe, you must dump out the old liquid, rinse the case, and fill it with 100% fresh solution every single time.

FAQs on Contact Lens Risks

Are daily disposable lenses safer?

Yes. Data consistently shows that daily disposable lenses have the lowest risk of infection. Because you throw them away after a single use, there is no case to clean and no opportunity for bacteria to build up on the lens surface.

Can I swim in my contacts if I wear goggles?

It is safer, but still risky. If water leaks into the goggles, your lenses can absorb it and trap bacteria against your eye. The safest option is prescription swim goggles, or removing your lenses immediately after swimming.

Do rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses have a lower infection rate?

Yes. Statistics show that hard (RGP) lenses have a lower rate of microbial keratitis compared to soft lenses. They cover less of the cornea and allow for better tear exchange, which helps wash away debris.

When to See Your Eye Doctor

You should remove your lenses and see an eye doctor immediately if you experience redness, pain, light sensitivity, or blurry vision that does not go away after a few hours. These are the early warning signs of an infection. Catching microbial keratitis early is critical to preventing permanent scarring and vision loss.