written or reviewed by
L. Dean Flanders, M.D.

Can Contact Lenses Cause Cataracts?

Contact lenses are a convenient and popular alternative to glasses, providing clear vision without the hassle of frames. But if you wear contacts, you may have wondered – can they increase your risk of developing cataracts? Let’s explore the connection between contact lenses and cataracts.

What Are Cataracts?

Cataracts are a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which leads to blurry vision, light sensitivity, and difficulty seeing at night. Cataracts are primarily age-related, but other factors, including UV exposure, smoking, diabetes, eye injuries, and prolonged use of certain medications like steroids, can contribute to their development.

Do Contact Lenses Cause Cataracts?

The short answer is no. Wearing contact lenses does not directly cause cataracts. However, improper contact lens use can lead to eye infections, inflammation, and oxygen deprivation, which may contribute to conditions that could indirectly affect the health of your eyes, including the lens. Here’s how:

• Oxygen Deprivation: The cornea requires oxygen to stay healthy, and wearing contact lenses for extended periods – especially sleeping in them – can reduce oxygen supply, increasing the risk of eye conditions that could impact long-term eye health.
• Eye Infections: Poor contact lens hygiene, such as not cleaning lenses properly or wearing them longer than recommended, can lead to infections like infectious keratitis. Severe eye infections may cause inflammation inside the eye, potentially accelerating cataract formation.
• UV Exposure: Some contact lenses have UV protection, but they do not provide complete coverage. If you spend a lot of time outdoors without wearing sunglasses, UV exposure can contribute to cataract development over time.

How to Protect Your Eyes While Wearing Contacts

If you wear contact lenses, follow these tips to maintain healthy eyes and reduce any risk of complications:

• Practice Good Hygiene: Always wash your hands before handling contacts and follow the recommended cleaning routine.
• Replace Lenses as Directed: Don’t wear lenses longer than the manufacturer suggests and avoid sleeping in contacts unless they are specifically designed for overnight wear.
• Clean Cases: Proper care of your contact lens case limits pathogenic growth and reduce the chance of eye inflammation.
• Give Your Eyes a Break: Consider switching to glasses occasionally to allow your eyes to breathe.
• Use UV-Protective Eyewear: Wear sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection to shield your eyes from harmful rays.
• Get Regular Eye Exams: Routine check-ups with your eye doctor can help detect early signs of cataracts and other eye conditions.

While contact lenses don’t directly cause cataracts, poor lens hygiene and improper wear can lead to complications that may contribute to eye health issues. The best way to protect your vision is to use your contacts responsibly, maintain good eye health habits, and schedule routine eye exams with your eye doctor. If you experience persistent eye discomfort, blurry vision, or sensitivity to light, consult an eye care professional to rule out any underlying concerns.

If you live in the Washington DC area and have questions about your eye health or are due for a check-up, schedule an appointment at Washington Eye Physicians and Surgeons.