While it can cause serious complications once the infection sets in, acanthamoeba is relatively easy to kill, and can be easily managed by rubbing lens surfaces during cleaning.

While these infections are rare, they are serious and can be incredibly difficult to treat. If the infection is severe enough, you may have to undergo a corneal transplant, which is a very serious procedure.

Herpes Keratitis

Herpes keratitis is an eye infection that’s caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). This infection is one of the most common causes of corneal blindness in developed nations, making it a major, global health concern. In its early stages, the infection involves only the outer layer of the cornea, and will typically heal without scarring. However, if the infection spreads to the deeper layers of the cornea, which happens as the infection progresses, it may lead to corneal scarring, vision loss, and, potentially, blindness.

Treatment for this condition will vary depending on its severity. Mild, early cases can often be treated with oral antiviral medications or topical ointments. More serious cases may be treated by scraping the affected area to remove infected cells, while most severe cases will require a corneal transplant.

Fungal Keratitis

Fungal keratitis is a condition that’s most commonly caused by Fusarium and Aspergillus species of fungii, which are common in tropical and subtropical climates, but may occur in milder climates. Most people who develop this condition contract it after an eye injury involving sticks, thorns, or plants. However, this condition is also caused by Cadida species, which grow on the skin and mucous membranes. People who don’t practice proper cleaning and disinfecting techniques with contacts may transfer the fungii onto the lenses.