Can contact lenses cause cataracts​?

Many people wear contact lenses every day to correct their vision, they’re convenient, comfortable, and almost invisible. But if you’ve heard that wearing contact lenses might lead to cataracts, you might be feeling concerned.

So, can contact lenses cause cataracts? The short answer is no, contact lenses do not cause cataracts. However, if they’re not used or cleaned properly, they can cause other eye problems that might affect your vision.

In this blog, we’ll explain what cataracts are, what causes them, how contact lenses fit into the picture, and how to keep your eyes healthy. We’ll also share insights from Professor Paul Ursell, a leading cataract surgeon in Surrey, England.

What are cataracts?

A cataract is when the clear lens inside your eye becomes cloudy. The lens is what focuses light onto the retina, helping you see clearly. When it becomes cloudy, your vision looks blurry or hazy, and colours may appear dull or faded.

Cataracts usually develop slowly over time and are very common as people age. Most cataracts are age-related, but other factors, like medical conditions or medications, can also play a role.

Common symptoms include:

• Blurry or foggy vision
• Sensitivity to light or glare
• Faded colours
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Needing brighter light for reading
• Frequent changes in glasses or contact lens prescriptions

Cataracts can affect one or both eyes and are not painful, but they can make everyday tasks harder. The good news is that cataracts can be treated effectively with surgery.

Professor Paul Ursell is a very experienced cataract surgeon in Surrey who has helped thousands of people regain clear, sharp vision through safe and precise cataract surgery.

What causes cataracts?

Cataracts form when the proteins in the eye’s lens break down and clump together, causing cloudiness. This process is most often due to ageing, but other things can make cataracts form sooner, such as:

• Exposure to UV light from the sun
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Certain medications, especially steroids
• Eye injuries or surgery
• Family history of cataracts

So where do contact lenses fit into this? Let’s take a closer look.

Do contact lenses cause cataracts?

No, wearing contact lenses does not cause cataracts. Cataracts form inside the eye’s lens, while contact lenses sit on the surface of your eye (on the cornea). The two don’t directly interact.

There’s no scientific evidence showing that contact lenses, whether daily, weekly, or monthly, increase your risk of developing cataracts.

However, improper use or poor hygiene with contact lenses can lead to other eye problems, such as infections or inflammation. If these issues are left untreated, they can damage the surface of your eye or affect your vision in other ways.

That’s why it’s so important to follow your optician’s advice on cleaning, storing, and replacing your lenses.

How contact lenses can affect your eyes (but not cause cataracts)

Even though contact lenses don’t cause cataracts, they can still lead to temporary discomfort or problems if they’re not used correctly. Here are some common issues:

1. Dry eyes
   Wearing contact lenses for long periods can reduce the amount of oxygen reaching your eyes, leading to dryness or irritation.
2. Eye infections
   If lenses aren’t cleaned properly, bacteria can build up and cause an infection. Infections can be serious and may affect your vision if not treated quickly.
3. Corneal damage
   Sleeping in lenses that aren’t designed for overnight use or wearing them too long can cause small scratches on your eye’s surface.
4. Inflammation
   Sometimes, the eye can become inflamed (red and painful) due to an allergic reaction or poor contact lens hygiene.

While these problems are unrelated to cataracts, they can make your eyes feel uncomfortable or sore and may need medical attention.

Can infections from contact lenses lead to cataracts?

In rare cases, a severe infection inside the eye (called endophthalmitis) can lead to cataract formation. But this is extremely uncommon, and it usually only happens after a major eye injury or surgery, not from normal contact lens use.

As long as you care for your contact lenses properly, the chance of developing any serious complications is very low.

Tips for safe and healthy contact lens use

If you wear contact lenses, here are a few simple habits that can help keep your eyes healthy and comfortable:

1. Wash your hands before touching your lenses.
   Always use clean, dry hands to handle your lenses to avoid transferring bacteria.
2. Clean and store lenses correctly.
   Use the solution recommended by your optician — never use tap water. Replace your lens case every few months.
3. Follow your replacement schedule.
   Don’t wear monthly lenses longer than a month or daily lenses for more than a day.
4. Don’t sleep in your lenses (unless approved).
   Wearing lenses overnight can increase your risk of infection.
5. Give your eyes a break.
   If your eyes feel tired or dry, wear your glasses for a few hours instead.
6. Have regular eye exams.
   Seeing an eye specialist every year helps ensure your eyes remain healthy and that your contact lenses fit correctly.

Regular check-ups also help spot cataracts or other eye conditions early, when they’re easier to treat.

Can wearing contacts make cataracts harder to detect?

Sometimes, yes. Because contact lenses can correct your vision temporarily, early signs of cataracts, such as blurry vision or glare, might be mistaken for lens discomfort or a change in prescription.

If you find that your contact lenses don’t seem to help as much as they used to, or if your vision looks cloudy even with new lenses, it’s a good idea to have a full eye exam.

An expert like Professor Paul Ursell can perform a thorough assessment to see if cataracts or another condition might be affecting your vision.

Cataract surgery: A clear solution

If cataracts are found and are affecting your daily life, the best treatment is cataract surgery.

During the operation, Professor Paul Ursell removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with a clear artificial one. The procedure is quick, safe, and highly successful, usually taking less than 30 minutes.

Most patients notice brighter, clearer vision within days, and many find they need glasses or contact lenses much less afterward.

Final thoughts

Wearing contact lenses does not cause cataracts. Cataracts develop naturally inside the eye over time, while contact lenses sit on the surface of the eye and do not affect the lens itself.

However, poor contact lens hygiene can lead to infections or discomfort, so it’s important to care for your lenses properly and have regular eye exams.

If your vision has become blurry, cloudy, or less sharp, even with new lenses, it might be time to speak with a specialist.

With the expert care of Professor Paul Ursell in Surrey, you can receive a clear diagnosis and explore safe, effective cataract treatment options.

Take the suitability self test today and find out how you can start seeing clearly again.