Q14. What are the risks with wearing contact lenses?

A14. Contact lenses are safe but there is no guarantee that nothing will go wrong. You need to be aware that there is a greater risk of an eye infection which is usually caused by any of the following:

• Contact lenses which are too tight
• Dry eyes
• Lenses which have tears, splits or are broken
• Lenses which are coated in a substance, e.g. hand cream
• Not enough oxygen to the eye
• Poor hygiene
• Lenses which have been in contact with tap water
• Wearing lenses for too long a period of time

Find out more in our disadvantages of contact lenses section.

FAQ:

Contact lenses FAQs

1. What is a contact lens?
2. What do contact lenses do?
3. What are the different types of contact lenses?
4. Can anyone wear contact lenses?
5. Can children wear contact lenses?
6. What are soft lenses?
7. What are gas permeable lenses?
8. Which are the right lenses for me?
9. Are contact lenses safe?
10. Are contact lenses easy or difficult to use?

11. What are the advantages of contact lenses over glasses?
12. What is contact lens aftercare?
13. Why is it so important to care for your contact lenses?
14. What are the risks with wearing contact lenses?
15. Should I buy contact lenses in store or over the internet?
16. Can you get bifocal contact lenses?
17. I have astigmatism: can I wear contact lenses?
18. I play sport: which type of contact lenses should I wear?
19. What are novelty contact lenses?
20. I have never worn contact lenses. What is my first step?