Contact lenses offer a convenient and comfortable way to correct your vision, but they also require consistent care. When used properly, contacts are safe and effective—but poor hygiene or bad habits can lead to serious complications, including infections or even long-term vision loss. Whether you’re a long-time wearer or new to lenses, here are a few essential tips to keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear.
Start with the Right Prescription
Contact lenses are prescriptive medical devices that must be fit to your unique eye shape and vision needs. It’s important to never wear lenses that haven’t been prescribed to you, even if they’re for cosmetic purposes. Using the wrong type of lens—or someone else’s lenses—can lead to discomfort, infections, or damage to your cornea. Always start your contact lens journey with a proper eye exam and fitting by a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist.
Make Hygiene a Priority
Your hands are in constant contact with bacteria throughout the day. That’s why proper hygiene is one of the most important parts of wearing contacts.
To minimize your risk of infection:
- Wash and dry your hands before inserting or removing lenses.
- Use only fresh contact lens solution—never reuse old solution.
- Avoid using tap water or saliva to clean or store your lenses.
- Clean your lens case regularly with contact lens solution and let it air dry.
- Replace your case every three months or sooner if it becomes damaged.
If you wear daily disposables, toss them in a waste basket at the end of each day. For reusable lenses, follow your cleaning and replacement schedule closely.
Stick to the Schedule
One of the most common mistakes contact lens wearers make is stretching the life of their lenses. Wearing contacts past their recommended schedule can increase your risk for irritation and infection. Whether your lenses are designed for daily, bi-weekly, or monthly use, following your replacement schedule is essential for safe wear.
You should also never sleep in your lenses unless your doctor has specifically prescribed them for extended or overnight use. Sleeping in non-approved lenses reduces oxygen flow to your cornea and raises your risk for serious eye infections.
Be Aware of Your Environment
Contact lenses can be sensitive to certain environments and activities. For instance, swimming or showering with lenses in puts you at risk for waterborne infections, including a serious condition called Acanthamoeba keratitis. It’s best to remove your lenses before entering water or use tight-fitting swim goggles if removal isn’t an option.
You should also avoid wearing contacts when your eyes are red, irritated, or feeling uncomfortable. Continuing to wear them can make symptoms worse and delay healing. If your eyes don’t feel right, take the lenses out and call your eye doctor for guidance.
Know When Something Isn’t Right
Your eyes will usually let you know when something’s wrong. Pay attention to signs that your lenses may be causing harm.
Remove your contacts and contact your eye doctor if you experience:
- Redness or swelling
- Persistent eye pain or discomfort
- Blurred or decreased vision
- Increased light sensitivity
- Watery eyes or unusual discharge
These symptoms may signal a serious issue that requires prompt evaluation and treatment.
Keep Your Eyes Healthy with Regular Checkups
Even if your contacts feel fine, it’s important to schedule regular eye exams yearly. Your vision and eye health can change over time, and your contact lens prescription may need to be updated. Routine checkups help ensure your lenses are still fitting properly and your eyes are staying healthy.
If you’re due for an eye exam or have questions about your current contact lens routine, we’re here to help. Contact Treasure Coast Eye Specialists today to schedule your next visit.
