The most common contact lens-related eye infections are corneal infections (keratitis), an infection of the transparent dome in front of the eye covering the pupil and iris. They’re also called corneal ulcers.
Contact lens-related infections of the eye can be extremely uncomfortable and, depending on the cause and severity of the infection, can lead to vision loss and possibly even blindness if left untreated. The most common eye infection related to contact lens usage is keratitis, a corneal infection that can range from mild to severe and has multiple causes. Serious eye infections can cause corneal scarring, which can ultimately require a corneal transplant to restore vision.
Causes of Contact Lens-related Eye Infections
Most contact lens-related eye infections can be avoided by practicing good habits and proper hygiene in regards to handling your lenses. Here are some common causes of contact lens-related eye infections:
- Sleeping in contact lenses
- Wearing contact lenses for extended periods of time
- Environmental irritants
- Reduction of tear exchange while wearing contact lenses (especially soft lenses in which metabolic by-products and tear film debris is increased)
- Improper maintenance of contact lenses or lens case
- Reuse and/or topping off of contact solution
Being aware of and practicing proper contact lens usage, care, and maintenance is the easiest way to reduce the risk of infection from contact lenses.
Symptoms of a Contact Lens-related Eye Infection
Blurry vision- Redness, pain, or swelling of the eye
- Eye tearing or discharge
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Burning or itching of the eye
- Sensation of foreign object in the eye
If you experience any of these symptoms of an eye infection, you should contact your ophthalmologist as quickly as possible. Treating an eye infection in a timely manner will not only help you feel better but could actually save your sight. You should also wear eyeglasses rather than your contact lenses until your eye condition has been properly diagnosed, as not to aggravate your symptoms.
Diagnosing a Contact Lens-Related Eye Infection
Diagnosing a contact lens-related eye infection will require a thorough eye exam by your ophthalmologist.You should never try to self-diagnose any eye condition, as this can cause harm to your eyesight and delay needed treatment. Be sure to take your lens case with you to your eye appointment since it may be helpful in determining the cause of your eye problem.
Types of Microbial, or Germ-related, Keratitis
Many contact lens-related infections occur when germs invade the eye, resulting in microbial keratitis.Types of microbial, or germ-related, keratitis are:
- Bacterial keratitis: Bacterial infection of the cornea with Pseudomonas Aeruginosa or Staphylococcus Aureus
- Fungal keratitis: Fungal infection of the cornea with Candida, Fusarium,or Aspergillus
- Viral/herpes keratitis: Viral infection of the cornea due to the herpes virus
- Acanthamoeba/parasitic keratitis: Parasitic infection of the cornea with Acanthamoeba
Bacterial Keratitis
Bacterial keratitis is a corneal eye infection that is often caused by the bacteria Pseudomonas Aeruginosa (especially in contact lens wearers) or Staphylococcus Aureus. Bacterial keratitis is typically a result of improper contact lens care or an eye injury and often develops suddenly.
Bacterial keratitis can be caused by:
- Extended use of contact lenses
- Topical steroid use
- Eye injury or trauma
- Contaminated contact lens solution
- Corneal disease
When contact lenses are not stored or cleaned correctly, bacteria can spread from the patient’s skin or from the unsterile solution in which the contact lenses are soaked.
Immediate treatment of bacterial keratitis is key in order to prevent vision damage. Your ophthalmologist may prescribe a regiment of antibiotic eye drops, as well as a topical steroid. When diagnosed and treated early, most patients fully recover from bacterial keratitis with no permanent vision loss. Left untreated, or in severe cases, the center of the cornea can be affected, which can result in decreased vision or even blindness.
Fungal Keratitis
Fungal keratitis is a corneal infection caused by the eye’s exposure to a fungus, such as Candida, Aspergillus, or Fusarium. Fusaria are commonly found in water, soil, or plants. Fungal keratitis can result from an eye injury involving plant material, such as thorns, stickers, or branches.
Contact lens wearers are at higher risk for fungal keratitis if using tap water to clean or store lenses (which should not be done). Also, simply having this organic matter on your hands and subsequently inserting your contact lenses can result in a serious eye infection.
Treatment of fungal keratitis usually includes an oral medication and antifungal eye drops. As with bacterial keratitis, fungal keratitis should be treated quickly to avoid eye and vision damage.
Viral/Herpes Keratitis
Viral or herpes keratitis is a corneal infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSV Type I is typically the cause of viral keratitis since it is the virus that can affect the face by bringing on cold sores and fever blisters. HSV can be transmitted to the eye by touching an infected area and then inserting contact lenses or touching the eye. When HSV enters the eye, it often infects the cornea, as well as the eyelids and conjunctiva.
Treatment for viral keratitis may include topical medication and oral antiviral medicine. Because HSV remains dormant in the body once you contract it, you should not use steroid eye drops because they can actually multiply the virus. Treatment should be immediate to avoid permanent eye damage.
Acanthamoeba/Parasitic Keratitis
Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a rare and serious corneal infection caused by a microscopic ameba (one-celled organism). Acanthamoeba parasites are present in bodies of water, such as oceans or lakes, and in the air and soil. Swimming pools, hot tubs, and even tap water can be the source of the Acanthamoeba, and 85% of those infected by the parasites in the U.S. are contact lens wearers.
Activities which increase the risk of Acanthamoeba keratitis include:
- Using tap water or homemade solution to disinfect or clean contact lenses
- Improper handling and storing of contact lenses
- Contact with contaminated water source
- Showering, swimming, or hot tubbing while wearing contact lenses
Your ophthalmologist can determine if your eye infection is caused by a parasite by taking a gentle scraping of the eye or detecting it visually by means of confocal microscopy (a method of using light/lasers which produces extremely high-quality imaging).
If diagnosed early and treated with prescription medication, patients with AK can fully recover with no residual vision damage.
Tips for Preventing Contact Lens -Related Eye Infections
- Maintain good eye health by scheduling an annual ophthalmic exam
- Only use prescription contact lenses (never insert fake lenses, such as colored Halloween contacts)
- Carefully follow the instructions given by your eye doctor and the manufacturer guidelines on wearing, cleaning, and replacing contact lenses
- Always wash hands with soap and warm water, if possible, before handling your contacts
- Do not wear contact lenses during water-related activities (such as showering or swimming)
- Thoroughly clean your contact lenses every time you remove them
- Use only contact lens solution to disinfect your lenses (not saline or rewetting drops)
- Never use tap water to clean or store lenses
- Do not reuse or top off old contact solution when storing your contacts (use fresh only)
- Use a proper storage case for your contact lenses
- Clean storage case thoroughly and allow to air dry after each use
- Replace storage case every 3 months or sooner
- Do not wear contact lenses while sleeping, unless specifically prescribed for such use
- Remove contact lenses if your eyes are irritated, red, or sore
- Always carry eyeglasses with you in case your contact lenses become bothersome
- Use daily disposable contacts only once
Keratitis, when superficial – on the outermost corneal layer, usually leaves no scar on the cornea and has no lasting effect on the patient’s vision. If deeper corneal layers become affected, scarring can occur which may require surgery to correct or may affect vision permanently. Always contact your ophthalmologist if you experience symptoms of an eye infection.
At Fort Worth Eye Associates, we are committed to providing the highest quality individualized care to every patient. If you have questions regarding your contact lenses or think that you may have an eye infection, pleasecall our Fort Worth office at817-732-5593.
FAQs
The most common eye infection related to contact lens usage is keratitis, a corneal infection that can range from mild to severe and has multiple causes. Serious eye infections can cause corneal scarring, which can ultimately require a corneal transplant to restore vision.
How do I get rid of an eye infection from my contacts? ›
How are infections from contact lenses treated? Eye infections are usually treated with antibiotic drops. Your doctor will prescribe drops according to the severity of your infection. If you have any complications like the formation of blood vessels, your doctor may prescribe additional medications.
What antibiotic is good for contact lens infection? ›
A broad-spectrum antibiotic solution such as Polytrim (t.i.d.) or tobramycin (q.i.d.) is the treatment of choice. Continue treatment for at least seven days and for two to three days after the infection resolves to prevent recurrence.
What kind of doctor should I see for an eye infection? ›
If you get an eye infection, visit your optometrist and follow their guidance or treatment plan. Seeking medical attention can get you the relief you crave and spare your close contacts from catching your eye infection. If you have any questions, please reach out.
Why do my contacts keep giving me eye infections? ›
One type of keratitis, called microbial keratitis, can occur when germs invade the cornea. These germs—such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites (amebae)—are more likely to invade the eyes when contact lenses are worn for too long or are not cared for correctly 7, 8.
What is the most serious contact lens complications? ›
Infectious keratitis: The most serious complication of contact lens use is an infection of the cornea (corneal ulcer). This complication, if left untreated, can cause total loss of vision in the affected eye.
What is the fastest way to cure an eye infection? ›
Salt water, or saline, is one of the most effective home remedies for eye infections. Saline is similar to teardrops, which is your eye's way of naturally cleansing itself. Salt also has antimicrobial properties. Because of this, it only stands to reason that saline can treat eye infections effectively.
What kills eye infections? ›
antiviral medication, such as acyclovir (Zovirax), as eye drops, oral medications, or topical ointments. debridement, or brushing off your cornea with cotton to get rid of infected cells. corticosteroid eye drops to relieve inflammation if infection spreads further into your eye (the stroma)
Can you flush out an eye infection? ›
You can try rinsing out the infected eye with saltwater. Saltwater has the same properties as tears and is a natural antiseptic. Saltwater kills germs and may kill some of the bacteria in your eye. Using saltwater is one of the most common eye infection treatments.
How do you know if you have eye infection from contacts? ›
Symptoms of contact lens–related infections include: blurry vision. unusual redness of the eye. pain in the eye.
Azithromycin ophthalmic (eye) solution is used to treat infections of the eye, such as bacterial conjunctivitis. Azithromycin belongs to a group of medicines called macrolide antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria that cause conjunctivitis.
How do you get rid of a bacterial eye infection fast? ›
If you're having bacterial pink eye symptoms, the fastest way to treat them is to see your doctor. Your doctor can prescribe antibiotic eye drops.
Should you go to pharmacy for eye infection? ›
A pharmacist can help with conjunctivitis
They can give you advice and suggest eyedrops or antihistamines to help with your symptoms. If you need treatment for a child under 2, you'll need a prescription from a GP.
What is the most serious eye infection? ›
Endophthalmitis
Endophthalmitis is an infection of the fluid or tissue inside the eye. It requires immediate medical treatment, or it may cause blindness. According to 2018 research , worldwide cataract surgery is the most common cause of this condition.
What does a serious eye infection look like? ›
Yellow, green, bloody, or watery discharge from the eye. Increasing redness of the eye or eyelids. A grey or white sore on the coloured part of the eye (iris). Fever with no other cause.
How long does a contact eye infection last? ›
The infection will usually clear up in 7 to 14 days without treatment and without any long-term consequences. However, in some cases, viral conjunctivitis can take 2 to 3 weeks or more to clear up.
How long should I not wear contacts after eye infection? ›
Once you've completed your entire regimen of antibiotics (usually 7-10 days), you should be free to wear your contact lenses again.
Can I use antibiotic eye drops with contacts? ›
Types of Eye Drops That Cannot be Used with Contact Lenses
These eye drops include antibiotic drops, steroid eye drops, anti-allergy eye drops, and glaucoma treatment eye drops.
Who is not a candidate for contact lenses? ›
You are not a good candidate for contact lenses if you do not have the motivation to care for them properly. If you have dry eye problems or issues with the cornea, you may not be able to wear contacts.
What are the two most common eye diseases that could be corrected using lenses? ›
Two of the most common vision problems are nearsightedness and farsightedness, which you can read about below. You may even have one of these vision problems yourself. Usually, the problems can be corrected with contact lenses or lenses in eyeglasses.
The highest level of corrective power for monthly soft contact lenses is about -12 Dioptres (bear in mind that the average prescription for short sighted people is -2.00 Dioptres), and is available from both Purevision 2HD and Biofinity.
How do you know if an eye infection is viral or bacterial? ›
Color or tint of the whites of eye: Salmon (light pink) color may be a sign of a viral infection. A reddish color is more likely to be a bacterial conjunctivitis. If it's in one or both eyes: If you have pink eye that's in both eyes, a virus is probably causing it.
Can hydrogen peroxide be used for eye infection? ›
Moreover, hydrogen peroxide is more effective at battling acanthamoeba keratitis (an eye infection that may lead to blindness) than all other types of contact lens solutions.
Is it safe to put hydrogen peroxide in your eyes? ›
The Required Disinfecting Process
“You should never put hydrogen peroxide directly into your eyes or on your contact lenses,” Lepri says. That's because this kind of solution can cause stinging, burning, and damage—specifically to your cornea (the clear surface that covers your eye).
What are the first signs of an eye infection? ›
Symptoms of Eye Infection
A feeling of something in the eye. Eye discharge that is yellow, white, green or bloody. Eye pain. Itching.
What to do if eye infection gets worse? ›
You should see an ophthalmologist if your pink eye does not resolve or if it gets worse after a week of treatment.
Should you stay home with an eye infection? ›
When to go back to work or school. If you have conjunctivitis but do not have fever or other symptoms, you may be allowed to remain at work or school with your doctor's approval. However, if you still have symptoms, and your activities at work or school include close contact with other people, you should not attend.
Should you bathe an infected eye? ›
Conjunctivitis will normally get better on its own, without any medical treatment, in around one to two weeks. Bathing and cleaning the eyelids with sterile pads/cotton wool and clean water (Boil the water and then let it cool down), is normally all that is needed.
Should I wash an infected eye? ›
Don't Rub Your Eyes
If your eyes water, have any liquid running out of them or itch, don't rub them with your hands. It's best to use a soft wash cloth to clean your eyes. If you have a virus, you're likely to spread it to others once it gets on your hands.
Can you buy antibiotic eye drops over the counter? ›
Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic medicine. It's mainly used to treat eye infections (such as conjunctivitis) and sometimes ear infections. Chloramphenicol comes as eye drops or eye ointment. These are available on prescription or to buy from pharmacies.
Ak-Poly-Bac (bacitracin / polymyxin B) eye ointment is not available over-the-counter. All antibiotic eyedrops and ointments require a prescription from a provider. Polysporin (bacitracin / polymyxin B), the topical ointment with the same ingredients used for preventing skin, is available over-the-counter.
Can I use Neosporin in my eye? ›
Can you put regular antibiotic ointment, such as Neosporin, in your eye to treat a scratched cornea? Answer: Neosporin comes in a topical form for the skin and a topical form for the eye. The skin version is toxic to the cornea so I would not use it in the eye as the package labeling suggests.
How long does it take a bacterial eye infection to clear up with antibiotics? ›
It often resolves in 7–10 days , but some people may need treatment. Treatment for bacterial conjunctivitis is with antibiotics. Most people will need antibiotic treatment for 5–7 days.
What happens if you don't treat bacterial eye infection? ›
If left untreated, conjunctivitis can create serious complications, such as infections in the cornea, lids and tear ducts.
How do I know if I have an eye infection from contacts? ›
Symptoms of contact lens–related infections include: blurry vision. unusual redness of the eye. pain in the eye.
What is the most common cause of bacterial corneal ulcer in contact lens wearers? ›
Corneal ulcers are most commonly caused by an infection with bacteria, viruses, fungi, or a parasite. Acanthamoeba keratitis occurs in contact lens users. It is more likely to happen in people who make their own homemade cleaning solutions.
Which parasitic infection is common in contact lens users? ›
Acanthamoeba keratitis is most common in people who wear contact lenses, but anyone can develop the infection.
What does keratitis look like? ›
The result of that inflammation is that the normally white part of the eye looks pink – or red. Similarly, keratitis – the inflammation of the cornea, the transparent part of the eye in front of the pupil and iris – gives the eye a comparably reddened, irritated look. "They both look like red eye or pink eye.
Can an eye infection go away on its own? ›
The infection will usually clear up in 7 to 14 days without treatment and without any long-term consequences. However, in some cases, viral conjunctivitis can take 2 to 3 weeks or more to clear up. A doctor can prescribe antiviral medication to treat more serious forms of conjunctivitis.
What eye drops treat corneal ulcers? ›
Treatment for corneal ulcers, regardless of cause, begins with moxifloxacin 0.5% or gatifloxacin 0.3 to 0.5% for small ulcers and fortified (higher than stock concentration) antibiotic drops, such as tobramycin 15 mg/mL and cefazolin 50 mg/mL, for more significant ulcers, particularly those that are near the center of ...
Prompt treatment is necessary for all types of corneal ulcer to prevent permanent visual loss. Usually it requires intensive topical antibiotic/antifungal therapy and systemic antibiotic/antifungal in selected cases such as aminoglycosides (gentamicin, tobramycin) and fluoroquinolone.
What happens if I wear contacts with a corneal ulcer? ›
An untreated ulcer may penetrate deeply into the cornea, resulting in greater pain and increasing the risk of complications. Wearing contact lenses is safe as long as you rigorously adhere to the prescribed cleaning, handling and disinfecting process.
What is the most common symptom of parasitic infections? ›
Parasitic infections often cause intestinal illness, with symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting. But they can also give you itchy skin rashes or infect other parts of your body, like your brain or lungs.
What is the most common eye parasite? ›
Parasites - Loiasis
Loiasis, called African eye worm by most people, is caused by the parasitic worm Loa loa. It is passed on to humans through the repeated bites of deerflies (also known as mango flies or mangrove flies) of the genus Chrysops.
Which two parasites commonly cause infections of the skin and eyes? ›
The protozoan Acanthamoeba and the helminth Loa loa are two parasites capable of causing infections of the skin and eyes.
What is Thygeson's disease of the eye? ›
Thygeson's superficial punctate keratitis (TSPK) is a bilateral recurrent corneal epithelial keratopathy that affects the central cornea primarily. It is characterized by focal discrete round to oval crenated epithelial lesions that stain with fluorescein and rose bengal.
What is Episcleritis? ›
Episcleritis is an acute unilateral or bilateral inflammation of the episclera, the thin layer of tissue between the conjunctiva and sclera. The episclera is composed of loose connective tissue with its vascular supply coming from the anterior ciliary arteries, which are branches of the ophthalmic artery.
What is chemosis in eye? ›
Fluid-filled conjunctiva; Swollen eye or conjunctiva. Chemosis is swelling of the tissue that lines the eyelids and surface of the eye (conjunctiva). Chemosis is swelling of the eye surface membranes because of accumulation of fluid. This symptom is often related to an allergic response.
Blurry vision
Maintain good eye 