Smoking and Contact Lenses

Ask an Eye M.D. Answer Archive

Question:
What problems can result from a smoker using contact lenses?

Answer:
Smoking is generally a bad idea—for the smoker, for companions of the smoker, for children of the smoker. But you already know that. Smoke is toxic and some can get under a contact lens and cause irritation. There is no known case of damage or pathology from this since the concentration is low and tears are effective at cleaning out the eye. So wear your contact lenses as directed by your ophthalmologist and use this concern as a stimulus to stop smoking.

Answered by: Richard Bensinger, MD  

Categories: General Eye Health

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