Do Contact Lenses Damage Your Eyes Over Time?

Picking a contact lens from the contact lens case.

The occasional guilt trip for not taking your vitamins (yes, like those lutein eye vitamins you keep ignoring) is sometimes the main reason for your eye sore when having your contact lenses on. Contact lenses are one of the most popular options for correcting vision. They’re nearly invisible, convenient, and allow for a wider field of view than glasses. For many people, they’re part of daily life. But as helpful as they are, do contact lenses damage your eyes over time?

How Contact Lenses Work

Correct vs Incorrect lens diagram.

Contact lenses are small, curved discs that sit on the surface of the eye. Their job is to correct vision by bending (refracting) light properly so it lands on the retina, same like glasses do. But unlike glasses, contacts move with the eye, allowing for clear peripheral vision and a more natural visual experience.

There are several types of contact lenses:

  • Soft lenses are the most common and are made from flexible materials that allow oxygen to pass through.
  • Rigid gas permeable lenses, which are less common but can be more durable and provide sharper vision for certain eye conditions.
  • Some lenses are meant to be worn for a single day, while others can be used for a week or even a month with proper cleaning.

No matter the type, lenses must be fitted by an eye care professional and used with care to avoid eye damage over time.

What Solution Should You Use?

Using contact lens solutions to avoid infections.

Using the right contact lens solution is just as important as using the right lenses. Not all solutions are the same, and using the wrong one or using none at all can lead to irritation, infections, or worse.

There are several types of contact lens solutions:

  • Multipurpose solution: Cleans, disinfects, and stores lenses.
  • Hydrogen peroxide-based solution: Deep cleans lenses but must be used with a neutralizer to avoid burning the eyes.
  • Saline solution: Used to rinse lenses but doesn’t disinfect.

Never use tap water to rinse or store lenses. Tap water can contain harmful microorganisms that can cause serious infections. It’s also important to clean the lens case regularly and replace it every 1 to 3 months.

Potential Eye Problems from Long-Term Contact Lens Use

Stages of Bacterial Conjunctivitis (Pink Eyes).

Some of these are minor and reversible, while others can be serious or even cause vision loss if not treated quickly.

  1. Corneal Ulcers

    Corneal ulcers are open sores on the cornea, the clear front part of the eye. They’re often caused by infections from bacteria, fungi, or viruses. Poor lens hygiene, sleeping in lenses, or wearing them for too long can increase the risk. Symptoms may include redness, pain, discharge, and blurry vision. If untreated, they can lead to permanent scarring or vision loss.

  2. Neovascularization

    The cornea being avascular (lacking blood vessels) needs oxygen to stay healthy. Since contact lenses sit on the cornea, they can reduce the amount of oxygen that reaches it. Over time, the eye may try to compensate by growing new blood vessels into the cornea. This is called neovascularization. If too many vessels grow, it can affect vision and make wearing contact lenses uncomfortable or impossible.

  3. Eye Irritation and Redness

    Wearing contact lenses for too long or not cleaning them properly can cause chronic redness and discomfort. This may be a sign that the eyes are irritated or not getting enough oxygen. Even mild irritation should not be ignored, as it can lead to more serious issues.

  4. Vision Loss

    Vision loss from contact lenses is rare but can happen. It’s usually the result of a serious infection like microbial keratitis or a corneal ulcer that wasn’t treated in time. Early signs such as pain, blurred vision, or unusual discharge should always be checked by an eye doctor right away. Serious issues like this are uncommon, keratitis is estimated to affect only two to 20 out of every 10,000 contact lens users.

Other Long-Term Effects on the Eyes

Aside from the major concerns, some less severe but effects can result from years of contact lens use:

  • Oxygen deprivation: Long-term lens wear can lower oxygen levels in the cornea, which may cause swelling or blurry vision.
  • Dry eyes: Contact lenses can absorb natural moisture, especially in dry environments, causing discomfort.
  • Giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC): A type of allergic reaction caused by protein buildup on lenses, leading to bumps under the eyelids and lens discomfort.
  • Corneal abrasions: Scratches on the eye’s surface caused by lenses that don’t fit properly or are damaged.

Signs of Eye Damage to Watch For

It’s important to listen to your eyes. Any of the following signs could mean that something is wrong:

  • Redness that doesn’t go away
  • A gritty or burning feeling
  • Blurry or cloudy vision
  • Pain or light sensitivity
  • Excess tearing or discharge

If these symptoms appear, remove the lenses and contact an eye care professional. Acting early can prevent serious damage.

What Eye Specialists Say

According to the American Optometric Association, complications are rare when users follow proper hygiene and usage guidelines.

Study shows that you shouldn’t sleep in contact lenses unless they’re specifically approved for overnight use but even with those, it’s still safest to remove them before going to bed.

Experts also suggest giving the eyes nutritional support with antioxidants like lutein eye vitamins, zeaxanthin, and vitamins C and E.

How Lutein Eye Vitamins and Lutein Supplement Help

Lutein eye vitamins is a powerful antioxidant found in leafy greens like spinach and kale. It plays a major role in protecting the eyes from damage caused by blue light and UV rays. It also supports the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision.

People who wear contact lenses may benefit from taking lutein eye vitamins daily. These supplements support the eyes from the inside and may help prevent dryness, irritation, and long-term oxidative stress. Using a lutein supplement regularly can be a smart way to add an extra layer of protection for long-term eye health.

Some benefits of lutein eye vitamins include:

  • Supporting overall eye function
  • Reducing strain from screen time or contact lens wear
  • Helping protect against age-related eye conditions
  • Supporting healthy vision over time

For contact lens users, combining good hygiene with a daily lutein eye vitamins may help keep eyes clear and comfortable for years to come.

The Bottom Line

So, do contact lenses damage your eyes over time? The answer depends on how they’re used. With good hygiene, the right products, regular check-ups, and healthy habits, most people can wear contacts for many years without issues.

The key is awareness. Know the signs of trouble, treat your lenses with care, and give your eyes the support they need. Adding lutein eye vitamins and a quality lutein supplement to your routine is a simple, natural way to support long-term vision health.