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Overview
Sleeping in contacts raises risk.
Infections can worsen fast.
When to get medical care
Call 911Not an emergency.
Get care todayEye pain, redness, light sensitivity, or blurry vision with contacts.
See a doctor soonMild irritation that doesn't clear.
Causes
Causes include corneal infections and irritation.
OwieClear has pages on 1 condition that can cause eye pain or redness while wearing contacts. Each shows how soon to get care.
Common causes
- Contact lens eye infection (keratitis)Often needs care today
An infection of the clear front of the eye, often from sleeping in contacts or getting water on them.
What you can do at home
- Remove contacts.
- Bring lenses and case to your visit.
Medicines
Antibiotic drops.
At the doctor
An eye exam.
Questions you may be asked
- Lens habits
The exam
A slit lamp exam.
Tests
- Culture if needed
Prevention
Lens care.
- Don't sleep in lenses
- Replace cases
Check your symptoms
Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.