Eyes Contact Lenses

Overview

Contact lenses are small, thin lenses worn directly on the eye to correct vision or, sometimes, for cosmetic reasons. They can be safe and comfortable, but they need careful handling because they sit on the clear front surface of the eye (the cornea).

Contact lens wear is very common worldwide. Minor dryness or irritation is fairly common, but serious eye infection is rare, especially with good habits.

Anyone who chooses to wear contacts, from children (with adult help) to older adults. Risk of problems is higher with poor hygiene, smoking, dry eyes, allergies, or wearing lenses too long.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A feeling that something is in your eye
• Mild redness, watering, or dryness
• Blurred vision that clears after removing the lens
• Discomfort or lens awareness
• Itchy eyes, especially with allergies
• Discharge or crusting
• Sensitivity to light

Symptoms in children

• Rubbing eyes, squinting, or avoiding reading or screen work
• Complaining of itchy or sore eyes
• Trouble putting in or cleaning lenses without help
• Not wanting to wear lenses or frequent lost lenses

Symptoms in older adults

• Dryness and grittiness as tears change with age
• More difficulty handling small lenses
• Blurred near vision needing a different lens or glasses
• Higher risk of infection with some health conditions or medicines that affect healing

Causes

Main causes

• Poor hand and lens hygiene
• Sleeping in lenses not approved for overnight wear
• Wearing lenses longer than advised
• Using tap water, bottled water, or saliva with lenses or cases
• Swimming, showering, or using hot tubs while wearing lenses
• Old lenses or dirty cases
• Poor lens fit or wrong lens type
• Makeup, smoke, dust, or allergens
• Dry eyes or allergies

Risk factors

• Smoking
• Dry eye, allergies, or eye surface problems
• Diabetes or conditions or medicines that affect infection risk or healing
• Previous eye infection or injury
• Extended or overnight wear
• Teens and young adults, and anyone learning lens care
• Travelling or sports without backup glasses

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Red, painful eye that is getting worse
• Sudden change in vision
• Light sensitivity or discharge
• Lens stuck and painful eye
• Eye injury or chemical exposure
• Signs of infection such as swelling, pus, or fever

Book a routine appointment if:

• Mild dryness or irritation that comes and goes
• Lens discomfort or poor vision
• Problems with lens fit or handling
• Before starting contact lenses or when due for aftercare
• Questions about cleaning, replacement, or swimming and sleeping in lenses

Diagnosis

A GP (family doctor) or eye care professional will ask about your symptoms, lens type, cleaning routine, and how long you wear lenses. They will examine your eyes, often with a special microscope light called a slit lamp.

Tests that may be done

• Vision check
• Slit-lamp eye exam to look at the cornea and front of the eye
• A special dye may be used to show scratches or infection
• Checking lens fit and condition, or asking you to bring your lenses and case
• A swab may be taken if infection is suspected

What to expect at your appointment

The exam is usually quick and painless. You may be asked to remove your lenses. If you wear lenses, bring your glasses, lens case, and cleaning solution to appointments.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause. Many mild problems improve when you stop wearing lenses for a short time and follow good lens care. Do not restart lenses until your eye care professional says it is safe.

Self-care at home

• Remove lenses at the first sign of redness, pain, or blurred vision
• Wash hands with soap and water and dry them before touching lenses or eyes
• Clean and store lenses exactly as your eye care professional advises
• Replace lenses and cases on schedule; never top up old solution
• Keep lenses away from all water, including tap, bottled, swimming, shower, and hot tub water
• Do not sleep, swim, or shower in lenses unless your eye care professional specifically says your lenses are approved for that use
• Use a fresh case and solution; let the case air-dry
• Carry glasses as a backup
• Attend regular contact lens aftercare checks

Medical treatments

If there is an infection, scratch, or allergy, your eye care professional may ask you to stop lens wear and may prescribe treatment such as eye drops or ointment. Use only treatment prescribed for you, and do not use old or borrowed eye drops. Serious cases may need specialist eye care.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for contact lens wear. In uncommon serious infections or injuries, an eye specialist may discuss procedures if other treatment is not enough.

Living with this condition

Build lens care into a simple routine: clean hands, clean lenses, clean case, and a backup pair of glasses. Check your eyes each day and take lenses out if anything feels wrong.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep a spare pair of glasses and a travel lens kit
• Put lenses in before makeup and take them out before removing makeup
• Avoid water activities with lenses; use goggles if advised
• Do not share lenses, cases, or solution
• Replace lenses after the recommended time, even if they feel fine
• Remove lenses if you feel unwell, have a cold, or have eye irritation

Diet and exercise

No special diet is needed. A healthy balanced diet and regular exercise support general health. For exercise, follow your lens care advice; avoid swimming or contact with water while wearing lenses unless advised otherwise.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Eye irritation or worry about infection can be stressful. Contact lenses can affect confidence and body image, for good or bad. If anxiety about your eyes or appearance is affecting daily life or mood, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. If you feel in crisis, contact your local emergency or crisis support service.

Prevention

Many contact lens problems can be prevented with good hygiene, correct wear, and regular checks. No lens routine removes all risk, so seek advice early if something changes.

Vaccines

Not relevant to contact lens use. Keep other vaccinations up to date as advised for your general health.

Screening programmes

Regular contact lens aftercare checks are important, even if your eyes feel fine. Your eye care professional will check vision, lens fit, and eye health and tell you how often to come back.

Complications

If left untreated

• Corneal scratch or ulcer (a sore on the clear front of the eye)
• Eye infection that can become serious
• Scarring and long-term vision problems
• Allergic reaction or giant papillary conjunctivitis (bumpy inner eyelid)
• Dry eye and discomfort
• Rarely, severe infection causing lasting vision loss

Long-term outlook

Most people recover well from contact lens problems when they act early and follow care advice. Serious complications are uncommon, and good habits make healthy lens wear very likely.

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