Contact lens wearers face a measurably higher risk of eye infections due to constant contact with the cornea. The most common include microbial keratitis, conjunctivitis (pink eye), and Acanthamoeba keratitis.
Microbial keratitis — a bacterial infection of the cornea — is a recognised risk of contact lens wear and can cause permanent scarring if not treated promptly.
Acanthamoeba keratitis is rare but devastating, often linked to swimming or showering in contact lenses. It can require corneal transplant in severe cases.
People who no longer wear contact lenses after LASIK or SMILE Pro are no longer exposed to lens-related infection risks, although all surgery carries its own risks.