Contact lens use is thought to be closely associated with dry eye. About 80% of soft contact lens wearers and about 70% of hard contact lens wearers complain of dry eyes. Tears are used as a lubricant between contact lenses and the pupil (cornea) to protect your eyes. In a state where tears are reduced, the cornea and conjunctiva are likely to be damaged, which in turn reduces their resistance to bacteria and causes serious corneal infections.