Can I Wear Contacts if I Have an Eye Infection?
Why Contact Lenses and Eye Infections Don't Mix
Contact lenses sit directly on your cornea, the clear front surface of your eye. When you have an infection, wearing contacts creates a barrier that keeps harmful germs trapped against your eye tissue. This environment allows bacteria, viruses, or fungi to multiply rapidly and penetrate deeper into your cornea.
Removing your contacts right away gives your eye the oxygen and freedom it needs to start healing. Your natural tears can flush out irritants and infection-fighting cells can reach the infected area more easily. Even short periods of continued wear can worsen symptoms and increase the risk of complications.
Do not wear contact lenses again until an eye care professional has examined your eyes and explicitly cleared you to resume.
Contacts act like a blanket over an infected eye, creating a warm, moist space where germs thrive. Contact lenses reduce oxygen reaching your cornea, especially with extended wear or older materials, which weakens your eye's natural defenses. Your corneal cells need oxygen to fight off infection and repair damage.
- Lenses can absorb medications and preservatives, altering drug delivery and increasing surface irritation
- Rubbing and irritation from the contact can spread infection to healthy tissue
- Solution preservatives left on a lens can irritate the eye and interfere with treatment
- Continued wear can cause microtrauma that allows organisms to penetrate the corneal surface
Continuing to wear contact lenses during an eye infection puts you at risk for serious complications. The most concerning is a corneal ulcer, which is an open sore on your cornea that can lead to scarring and permanent vision loss. Some infections can progress rapidly, causing damage within hours to days.
Other risks include the infection spreading to other parts of your eye, delayed healing that extends your recovery by weeks, and resistance to treatment medications. In severe cases, we may need to recommend more aggressive treatments or even hospitalization. Removing your contacts immediately reduces the risk of these complications.
Recognizing the Signs of an Eye Infection
Many people mistake early infection symptoms for normal contact lens discomfort, but certain signs should always prompt you to remove your lenses. Redness that doesn't go away after removing your contacts for an hour is one key warning sign. Your eye may also feel grittier or more uncomfortable than usual lens irritation.
- Increased tearing or watery discharge from your eye
- Burning or stinging sensation that persists
- Light sensitivity that makes bright rooms uncomfortable
- Blurred vision that doesn't clear with blinking
- Feeling like something is stuck in your eye
Some symptoms indicate a serious infection that needs urgent care. If you notice thick yellow, green, or white discharge, contact our office immediately. If you cannot be seen promptly, go to an emergency department. Severe pain that feels sharp or throbbing requires same-day evaluation.
Rapidly worsening vision, especially if it happens over hours rather than days, is a medical emergency. A white or gray spot on your cornea, extreme redness, or swelling of your eyelid that affects your ability to open your eye also warrant immediate attention. These signs may indicate a fast-moving infection that could threaten your vision.
- If you wear contacts and have eye pain, light sensitivity, reduced vision, or a white spot on the cornea, seek same-day care with an eye doctor or an emergency department
- Remove lenses now and do not reinsert them
- Do not use topical anesthetic drops or steroid drops unless prescribed after examination
- Do not patch the eye
- If severe keratitis is suspected, bring your contact lens, case, and solution to the visit in a clean bag for possible culture
Contact lens wearers are susceptible to several types of eye infections. Bacterial conjunctivitis, or pink eye, causes redness and discharge but usually affects the white part of your eye and inner eyelids. Bacterial keratitis is more serious because it infects the cornea itself and can develop quickly in contact lens wearers. Contact lens wearers are at particular risk for Pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis, which can progress quickly and requires antipseudomonal antibiotic coverage.
Viral infections like adenovirus can cause watery discharge and are highly contagious. Fungal infections are rare but can occur if you use contaminated lens solution or wear contacts while swimming. We also occasionally see infections caused by a parasite called Acanthamoeba, which is particularly serious and difficult to treat. Acanthamoeba is a microscopic parasite found in tap water, lakes and rivers, hot tubs, and soil. Each type requires different treatment approaches.
What Causes Eye Infections in Contact Lens Wearers
The most common cause of eye infections in contact lens wearers is bacterial contamination from poor hygiene practices. Bacteria naturally live on your skin, eyelashes, and in your environment, but they can overgrow when given the right conditions. Touching your contacts with unwashed hands is one of the fastest ways to transfer harmful bacteria to your eyes.
- Using tap water to rinse lenses or contact lens cases
- Wearing contacts longer than the recommended replacement schedule
- Sleeping in contacts not designed for overnight wear
- Topping off old solution instead of emptying and refilling the case
- Not cleaning or replacing your contact lens case regularly
Viral eye infections often come from the same viruses that cause colds and respiratory infections. You can transfer the virus to your eyes by touching your face with contaminated hands. Contact lenses don't cause viral infections, but wearing them when you have a viral infection can irritate your eyes further and slow healing.
Some people develop viral eye infections after being around someone with pink eye, since certain viruses spread very easily. If you have a cold or flu and continue wearing contacts, you may be more likely to touch your eyes frequently, increasing the chance of viral spread. We recommend switching to glasses whenever you feel unwell, even before eye symptoms appear.
Fungal eye infections are uncommon but tend to be more stubborn and harder to treat than bacterial infections. These infections often result from using contaminated homemade saline solutions or exposing your contacts to non-sterile water sources.
Both fungal and parasitic infections can cause severe damage to your cornea and may require months of intensive treatment. These organisms can actually live inside contact lens cases and on lenses, surviving even with proper disinfection in some cases. This is why we strongly emphasize never exposing your contacts to any water source except sterile lens solution.
Certain habits and conditions make you more vulnerable to developing an eye infection while wearing contacts. Sleeping in your lenses, even occasionally, increases your infection risk by six to eight times compared to daily wear only. Extended wear reduces the oxygen supply to your cornea and gives bacteria more time to colonize.
- Swimming or showering while wearing contact lenses
- Having dry eyes or other pre-existing eye conditions
- Having a weakened immune system from illness or medications
- Using decorative or costume lenses without proper fitting
- Orthokeratology or overnight wear increases risk of microbial keratitis
- Smoking
- Blepharitis or poor lid hygiene
How We Diagnose and Treat Eye Infections
When you come to our office with suspected eye infection symptoms, we will perform a thorough examination of your eyes. We start by asking about your symptoms, contact lens habits, and when you first noticed problems. Using a special microscope called a slit lamp, we can see your cornea, conjunctiva, and other eye structures in detail.
We may apply a special dye called fluorescein to your eye, which makes any damage to your corneal surface visible under blue light. For suspected keratitis, we may obtain corneal scrapings for stain and culture, and we may culture your contact lenses and case. If we suspect a serious infection, we might take a culture by gently swabbing your eye or the edge of your eyelid. This culture helps us identify the exact organism causing your infection so we can prescribe the most effective treatment.
For bacterial eye infections, we typically prescribe antibiotic eye drops as the main treatment. The specific antibiotic depends on the type and severity of your infection. Mild infections may respond to broad-spectrum antibiotic drops used four to six times daily. More serious corneal infections often require intensive treatment with drops every hour, even during the night initially.
- Topical fluoroquinolone with antipseudomonal coverage is commonly used first-line for contact lens-related keratitis
- Broad-spectrum antibiotic drops for uncomplicated infections
- Fortified antibiotic drops for severe corneal infections
- Oral antibiotics are reserved for specific pathogens or extension beyond the cornea
- Topical corticosteroids, if indicated, only under ophthalmologist supervision after clear infection control; avoid in suspected fungal or herpetic disease
- Cycloplegic drops (for example, atropine or cyclopentolate) may be prescribed for pain and photophobia
Do not patch the eye in suspected bacterial keratitis.
Most viral eye infections clear up on their own within one to two weeks without specific antiviral medication. Our treatment focuses on keeping you comfortable and preventing complications while your immune system fights the virus. We may recommend artificial tears to soothe irritation and cool compresses to reduce swelling.
Avoid topical steroid drops unless directed by an eye specialist. Steroids can worsen or prolong certain viral infections.
For certain severe viral infections, such as those caused by the herpes virus, we may prescribe antiviral eye drops or oral medications. We will monitor you closely to make sure the infection is resolving appropriately. Since viral infections are contagious, we will also give you guidance on preventing spread to your other eye or to family members.
To reduce spread: wash hands often, avoid touching or rubbing eyes, do not share towels, pillowcases, or cosmetics, and stay home from work or school while the eyes are red and draining.
Fungal eye infections require specialized antifungal medications that are different from the drops we use for bacterial infections. Treatment typically lasts much longer, often several weeks to months, and we may need to see you for frequent follow-up visits. Antifungal drops may need to be applied hourly at first, similar to treatment for serious bacterial infections. Topical steroids should be avoided because they can exacerbate fungal disease.
In some cases, we may need to prescribe oral antifungal medications in addition to eye drops. Fungal infections can be stubborn and may not respond to the first medication we try, so we might need to adjust your treatment plan based on your progress. Acanthamoeba infections are even more challenging and may require a combination of multiple medications used for an extended period. Acanthamoeba infections often require combination therapy with prolonged treatment and may need surgical intervention if scarring or thinning occurs.
Caring for Your Eyes During an Eye Infection
As soon as you suspect an eye infection, remove your contact lenses immediately and do not put them back in. Throw away the lenses you were wearing when symptoms started, even if they are monthly or yearly lenses that seem clean. These lenses are contaminated and cannot be safely disinfected, so reusing them could restart the infection. If severe keratitis is suspected and you have not yet been examined, save the lenses and case in a clean bag to bring to your appointment for possible culture.
Discard your contact lens case as well, since it likely harbors the same organisms that caused your infection. If you have unopened backup lenses in sealed packages, those are safe to keep for future use once you have fully recovered and received clearance from our eye doctor. Do not try to sterilize your old lenses or case by boiling them, using alcohol, or any other home method.
Switching to eyeglasses during your infection is the safest choice for your eyes. Glasses allow maximum oxygen to reach your cornea and make it easy to apply eye drops as prescribed. If you don't have current glasses or have lost them, we can provide you with a prescription so you can get a pair quickly.
- Keep your glasses clean by washing them daily with soap and water
- Avoid rubbing your eyes, even through your glasses
- Do not touch the dropper tip to your eye or lashes, and wash hands before and after using drops
- Consider getting a backup pair to have on hand for future needs
Along with using prescribed medications, there are several things you can do at home to help your eyes heal faster. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after touching your eyes or applying medications. Use a clean tissue for each eye if you need to wipe away discharge, and throw the tissue away immediately.
Apply a cool, clean compress to your closed eyes for five to ten minutes several times a day to reduce discomfort and swelling. Avoid wearing eye makeup until your infection has completely cleared, and throw away any makeup you used right before or during the infection. Get plenty of rest and stay hydrated to support your immune system in fighting the infection.
- Do not use leftover antibiotic or steroid eye drops
- Do not use topical anesthetic drops
- Do not use red-eye whitening drops
- Do not share towels, linens, or cosmetics
- Discard eye makeup used just before or during the infection
The length of treatment depends on the type and severity of your infection. Simple bacterial conjunctivitis often improves within three to five days of starting antibiotic drops, though we may recommend continuing treatment for seven to ten days total. Corneal infections typically take longer, requiring two to three weeks of intensive treatment followed by several more weeks of less frequent medication.
Viral infections usually resolve on their own in one to two weeks, but you may have mild symptoms for a few days longer. Fungal and parasitic infections require the longest treatment, often spanning six to twelve weeks or more. We will schedule follow-up visits to monitor your progress and let you know when it is safe to reduce medication frequency or stop treatment completely.
Do not wear contact lenses while using antimicrobial drops unless explicitly cleared by your eye doctor.
Returning to Contact Lenses Safely After an Infection
You should only return to wearing contact lenses after your eye has completely healed and our eye doctor has examined you and given explicit permission. This typically means your symptoms have resolved, your corneal surface has healed with no staining on exam, and your eye doctor has cleared you to resume. Many patients are asked to remain out of lenses until antimicrobial therapy is complete. Your cornea needs time to fully restore its protective barrier even after symptoms disappear.
For minor infections, you might be cleared to wear contacts again within two to three weeks. More serious corneal infections may require a waiting period of four to six weeks or longer. We will check your eyes carefully under the slit lamp to ensure there is no remaining inflammation, infection, or corneal damage before approving contact lens wear.
Some cases require a refit or a change to daily disposables to lower future risk.
Yes, you need to start with completely new contact lenses when you return to wearing them after an eye infection. Never use any lenses that were opened before or during your infection, even if they were stored in solution and never worn. Unopened lenses in manufacturer-sealed packages are safe to use once you are cleared.
- Purchase new lenses with your current prescription
- Buy a brand new contact lens case and solution
- Replace your lens cleaning and storage solutions even if bottles are not empty
- Dispose of any rewetting drops used during the infection period
- Replace any open bottles of solution that may have been used during the infection
- Do not transfer solution between containers, and do not use expired solution
After experiencing an eye infection, many patients become much more careful with their contact lens habits. The best prevention is strict hygiene and following all recommended wear and replacement schedules. Never sleep in your contacts unless they are specifically approved for extended wear and our eye doctor has recommended that option for you.
Avoid all water contact with your lenses, including swimming, hot tubs, showering, and even washing your face while wearing them. Replace your contact lens case every one to three months, and never reuse old solution. If your eyes become red, irritated, or uncomfortable while wearing contacts, remove them immediately and call our office rather than waiting to see if the problem resolves on its own.
- Remove lenses before swimming, showering, or using a hot tub; if water exposure is unavoidable, use tight-fitting goggles and daily disposables, then discard lenses immediately after
Good contact lens hygiene is your best defense against eye infections. Always wash your hands with soap and water and dry them with a clean, lint-free towel before handling your lenses. Rub and rinse your lenses with fresh solution every time you remove them, even if you use a no-rub solution, as the mechanical cleaning action removes more debris.
Empty your contact lens case completely each morning and rinse it with fresh sterile solution, not tap water. Leave the empty case open and upside down to air dry during the day. Never top off solution in your case; always use fresh solution for each storage period. Consider switching to daily disposable lenses if you have had repeated infections, as they eliminate the need for cleaning and storage entirely.
- Follow the solution's labeled rub and rinse time rather than relying on no-rub shortcuts
- Replace your lens case every 3 months
- Hydrogen peroxide systems must be neutralized fully before lens insertion; never rinse lenses or cases with tap water
Frequently Asked Questions
No, you should not wear your contact lenses at all when you have an eye infection, even for a short time. Just one or two hours of wear can trap infection-causing organisms against your cornea and significantly worsen your condition. The inconvenience of wearing glasses temporarily is minor compared to the risk of permanent vision damage from continuing contact lens wear during an infection.
Some mild infections might improve after stopping contact lens wear, but most eye infections require specific medical treatment to fully clear. Bacterial infections typically need antibiotic drops, and some serious infections can progress rapidly even without contacts, potentially causing permanent damage. We always recommend getting examined so we can determine what type of infection you have and prescribe appropriate treatment rather than waiting to see if it resolves on its own.
You should never reuse contact lenses that were worn during or just before your infection began, as these lenses are contaminated and cannot be adequately disinfected at home. However, unopened lenses that were never exposed to the infection are safe to use once our eye doctor clears you to resume wearing contacts. We recommend keeping these sealed backup lenses and starting fresh with a new case and new solution.
Yes, daily disposable contact lenses can significantly reduce your risk of eye infections because you throw them away after each use, eliminating the need for cleaning and storage. This removes the risks associated with contaminated lens cases and improper disinfection. Many of our patients who have had repeated infections or struggle with consistent lens care routines find that switching to daily disposables helps them stay infection-free.
Eye infections typically cause discharge that may be thick or colored, along with increasing redness and discomfort even after removing your contacts. Dry eyes usually feel better shortly after you remove your lenses and use lubricating drops, and they rarely produce discharge. Allergies cause itching as a main symptom, along with watery eyes and often affect both eyes equally, while infections may start in just one eye and cause more pain than itching.
No. Water exposure increases the risk of serious infections, including Acanthamoeba. Remove lenses before swimming, showering, or using a hot tub.
Getting Help for Can I Wear Contacts if I Have an Eye Infection?
If you develop any signs of an eye infection while wearing contact lenses, remove them immediately and contact our office for an appointment. We take eye infections seriously and often have same-day availability for urgent concerns. If you cannot be seen promptly and you wear contact lenses with painful red eye, light sensitivity, or blurry vision, go to an emergency department. Early treatment can prevent complications and get you back to comfortable contact lens wear as quickly and safely as possible.