Contact Lens-Related Keratitis
Also known as Contact Lens Keratitis, Contact Lens Corneal Infection, Microbial Keratitis, Contact Lens Corneal Ulcer, Infectious Keratitis
Bottom Line
Contact lens-related keratitis is inflammation or infection of the cornea. A red painful eye in a contact lens wearer needs same-day urgent eye care.
Keratitis means inflammation of the cornea, the clear front window of the eye. Contact lenses can trap germs and irritate the surface 1.
Bacteria cause most contact lens-associated keratitis. Acanthamoeba and fungus are less common but can be harder to treat 1.
Sleeping in lenses, wearing lenses past the replacement date, and poor lens hygiene raise the risk 2.
Symptoms
Contact lens-related keratitis often feels worse than simple irritation.
- Eye pain. Pain can be moderate or severe.
- Redness. The eye may look very red.
- Light sensitivity. Bright light may hurt.
- Blurred or cloudy vision. This can happen when the cornea is inflamed.
- Discharge or heavy tearing. Either can occur.
- White corneal spot. This can be an infected ulcer.
Diagnosis and Treatment
The eye doctor uses a slit lamp, a microscope used for eye exams. Fluorescein dye can show an ulcer or surface wound on the cornea.
Treatment depends on what the doctor sees.
- Stop contact lenses. Do not wear lenses until the cornea heals.
- Antibiotic drops. These are often started for suspected bacterial infection.
- Corneal culture. A sample may be taken for large, central, or unusual ulcers.
- Other germ treatment. Acanthamoeba or fungal keratitis needs different medicine.
- Close follow-up. Serious cases may be checked daily at first.
Delayed treatment can worsen outcomes in contact lens-related microbial keratitis 3.
Prevention
Safe lens habits lower risk.
- Wash and dry hands before touching lenses.
- Use fresh disinfecting solution each time.
- Do not top off old solution.
- Replace lenses on schedule.
- Replace the case often.
- Do not sleep in lenses unless your eye doctor prescribed overnight wear.
- Keep lenses away from tap water, pools, lakes, and showers.
Overnight wear, wearing lenses too long, and poor hygiene are important risk factors 2.
Germs That Can Cause It
Several germs can cause contact lens-related keratitis.
- Bacteria. These cause most cases and often need antibiotic drops.
- Acanthamoeba. This rare parasite is linked with water exposure in contact lens wearers.
- Fungus. This is less common but can be harder to treat.
Acanthamoeba keratitis is mostly seen in contact lens wearers with contaminated lenses or water exposure 4.
Common Questions About Contact Lens-Related Keratitis
Next Steps
- 1Remove contact lenses right away if the eye is red, painful, watery, or blurry.
- 2Seek urgent eye care today for contact lens pain, discharge, light sensitivity, or a white corneal spot.
- 3Bring your contact lenses, case, and solution to the visit.
- 4Use prescribed drops exactly on schedule if treatment starts.
- 5Go to the emergency room for sudden vision loss, chemical splash, major eye injury, or red eye in a newborn.
Find specialists for Contact Lens-Related Keratitis
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