Contact Lenses and Eye Infections: A Hidden Risk

Contact Lenses and Eye Infections: A Hidden Risk—and Why LASIK May Be a Safer Alternative. 

Millions of people rely on contact lenses every day for clear, comfortable vision—but many don’t realize the hidden risks they carry. While generally safe when used correctly, contact lenses can sometimes create the perfect conditions for dangerous eye infections, some of which are difficult to treat and can cause lasting damage.

At Laser Eye Surgery of Erie, we often see patients dealing with complications from contact lens use, including infections caused by water exposure, improper hygiene, or overuse. In some cases, these infections are so severe they require corneal transplants. Fortunately, there’s a long-term alternative: LASIK.

How Contact Lenses Increase Your Risk of Infection

Contact lenses rest directly on your eye, trapping moisture and reducing oxygen flow. This creates a warm, moist environment—an ideal incubator for bacteria, fungi, and parasites. If exposed to non-sterile water or not cleaned properly, lenses can introduce harmful organisms directly to your cornea.

Even patients with good hygiene habits are at risk if they:

• Sleep in their contacts
• Swim, shower, or use hot tubs while wearing lenses
• Use tap water to rinse lenses or cases
• Wear lenses longer than prescribed

While many eye infections clear up with antibiotic drops, some can be much more severe. These infections may require months of treatment—and in the worst cases, surgery.

Acanthamoeba Keratitis

• Caused by a microscopic parasite found in water (including pools, lakes, hot tubs, and tap water)
• Extremely painful and often misdiagnosed
• Difficult to treat, requiring aggressive medications
• Can result in corneal scarring 
• Slow to respond to treatment
• May cause permanent vision damage
• High risk of needing a corneal transplant

Fungal Keratitis

• Linked to plant material or contaminated water
• Slow to respond to treatment
• May cause permanent vision damage
• High risk of needing a corneal transplant

Severe Bacterial Infections (e.g., Pseudomonas)

• Can damage the cornea within 24–48 hours
• Associated with overnight wear or non-sterile water exposure
• May require a corneal transplant if not caught early

The Problem with Water and Contacts

Even a quick dip in the pool or a shower with lenses in can allow harmful microorganisms to get trapped beneath the lens. Water exposure can also cause lenses to tighten on the eye or change shape, increasing irritation and the risk of infection.

Swimming or showering in contacts is never safe. And while daily disposable lenses reduce risk, they don’t eliminate it.

Why LASIK Is a Safer, More Convenient Alternative

If you’ve experienced contact lens discomfort, dryness, or infections—or you simply want to reduce your daily maintenance—LASIK vision correction offers a lasting solution.

Benefits of LASIK:

• Reduces your risk of contact lens–related infections
• Eliminates the need for lens cleaning, storage, and replacement
• Allows you to swim, travel, and live more freely
• Long-term cost savings compared to years of buying lenses and solution
• Most patients enjoy excellent vision without glasses or contacts
• Studies show that for many people, LASIK carries a lower long-term risk of serious eye infection than continued contact lens use—especially for those who wear lenses daily or less than perfectly.

At Laser Eye Surgery of Erie, Dr. Robert Haverly has over 30 years of experience helping patients achieve clear, comfortable vision through LASIK and PRK. We use advanced wavefront-guided technology and Blade-Free Intralase to ensure precision, safety, and excellent outcomes.

Protect Your Eyes—Now and in the Future

Contact lenses are effective when used properly—but even small lapses in care can lead to serious consequences. Infections from contacts can be painful, difficult to treat, and in some cases, vision-threatening.

LASIK offers a safer, more permanent option for patients looking to break free from the daily risks of contact lens wear.

Schedule Your Free LASIK Consultation

Take the first step toward clearer, safer vision. Call our office today or book online to schedule your no-obligation LASIK consultation.

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/contact-lens-related-eye-infections

https://www.erielasereye.com/our-services-lasik-eye-surgery/lasik-prk-eye-surgery/