Other Complications

  Rare infections of the cornea (the clear dome covering the colored part of the eye), called microbial keratitis, are among the most serious complications related to contact lens wear ^2-4. Other complications that are commonly linked to contact lenses usually cause milder symptoms, or no symptoms at all ^{1, 5}. They may resolve through temporarily not wearing contact lenses, or with eye drops prescribed by an eye doctor ^{1, 6}. Some of these complications include:

• Allergies affecting the eyes
• Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis: bumps that appear underneath the eyelid
• Corneal abrasion: a scratch or scrape on the cornea
• Contact Lens-induced Acute Red Eye (CLARE): red, irritated eyes
• Corneal infiltrates: irritation of the cornea indicating inflammation and possible infection
• Dry eyes
• Neovascularization: new blood vessels growing onto the cornea, sometimes causing eye redness

If you have any of the symptoms below, remove your contact lenses. If the symptoms continue after a couple of hours, or if they get worse, call your eye doctor.

• Irritated, red eyes
• Worsening pain in or around the eyes
• Light sensitivity
• Sudden blurry vision
• Unusually watery eyes or discharge

Keep your eyes healthy while wearing contact lenses by following these tips, and always be sure to carry a pair of glasses with you—just in case you have to take out your contact lenses.