Wearing contact lenses is a safe and effective way to correct vision for millions of people. However, when hygiene guidelines are not followed or lenses are worn for too long, the risk of a serious infection, such as bacterial keratitis, increases significantly. Recognizing the warning signs early can mean the difference between a simple outpatient treatment and permanent vision loss. Here is what you need to know about the symptoms of a contact lens-related infection and how your optometrist will diagnose and treat it.
Warning Signs of a Serious Infection
If you experience any of the following symptoms, remove your contact lenses immediately and do not reinsert them. These signs may indicate a corneal infection, which requires prompt professional evaluation by an optometrist.
- Persistent pain or discomfort: A sharp, aching, or foreign-body sensation in the eye that does not improve after removing the lens.
- Redness: Unusual or spreading redness in the white part of the eye (sclera) or around the iris.
- Blurred vision or decreased clarity: Vision that stays blurry even after removing the lenses and blinking.
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia): Pain or discomfort when looking at bright lights, which can indicate inflammation of the cornea.
- Excessive tearing or discharge: Watery eyes or thick, mucus-like discharge that may be yellow or green.
- Swelling of the eyelids or around the eye: Puffiness that may be accompanied by tenderness.
- A white or gray spot on the cornea: This can appear as a small dot or patch on the normally clear front part of the eye. Any visible spot is a serious sign.
When to See an Optometrist vs. Urgent Care
If you have any of these symptoms after wearing contact lenses, you should see your optometrist as soon as possible. Your optometrist has special equipment, such as a slit lamp microscope, to closely examine your cornea. They can also perform tests like corneal staining or cultures to identify the specific cause (bacterial, fungal, or viral). While urgent care can handle minor eye irritations, an optometrist or an ophthalmologist is best equipped to diagnose and treat a corneal infection because they can perform a detailed eye health examination. If your symptoms are severe-such as sudden vision loss, intense pain, or a visible white spot-go to an emergency room or an eye specialist immediately.
How an Optometrist Treats a Contact Lens Infection
Treatment depends on the severity and type of infection, but it is almost always managed in-office or with home care prescribed by your optometrist. Here is the typical process:
- Diagnostic evaluation: Your optometrist will take a thorough history of your contact lens use (cleaning habits, wear schedule) and examine your eyes with a slit lamp. They may use a fluorescein dye to see damage to the cornea.
- Antibiotic therapy: For bacterial infections, the first line of treatment is frequent application of prescription antibiotic eye drops. In severe cases, the optometrist may prescribe a fortified drop or a combination of drops. It is critical to follow the dosing schedule exactly, even if you start feeling better.
- Anti-inflammatory medications: To reduce swelling and discomfort, your optometrist may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drops (NSAIDs) or, in some cases, steroid drops to control inflammation. Steroids are used cautiously and only after the infection is controlled.
- Discontinuation of lens wear: You will be instructed to stop wearing contact lenses entirely until the infection clears. Your optometrist will tell you when it is safe to resume. Never reuse the same opened contact lens solution or case during or after an infection.
- Follow-up visits: You will need to return frequently (often daily or every few days) so the optometrist can monitor healing and adjust treatment as needed.
Prevention and Key Takeaways
The best way to avoid a serious infection is to practice proper lens hygiene. This includes washing hands before handling lenses, using fresh solution every night, replacing your lens case every three months, and never sleeping in lenses not approved for overnight wear. According to a 2022 study published in the journal Eye & Contact Lens, the most common risk factors for contact lens-related infections are poor hygiene and extended wear. By following these guidelines and recognizing warning signs, you can significantly reduce your risk. If you suspect an infection, remove your lenses and call your optometrist. Do not wait-early treatment is the key to preserving your vision.