Healthy Wear, Cleaning, and Storage
Contact Lens Safety and Hygiene
What are the most important contact lens safety habits?
- Wash hands with soap and water, then dry them completely before touching lenses.
- Keep lenses away from tap, bottled, distilled, lake, ocean, pool, shower, and hot-tub water.
- Avoid sleeping or napping in lenses unless your eye-care professional specifically directs you to do so.
- Rub and rinse reusable lenses with the recommended disinfecting solution.
- Use fresh solution every time. Never reuse solution or add fresh solution to old solution.
- Clean the case with solution, air-dry it upside down with the caps off, and replace it at least every three months.
- Replace lenses on the prescribed schedule and attend follow-up visits as recommended.
- Carry current backup glasses in case you need to remove your contacts.
What if water touches my contact lenses?
When should I remove my lenses and seek care?
Contact an eye-care professional promptly
Remove your lenses and seek prompt professional advice if you develop eye pain, redness, light sensitivity, sudden blurry vision, unusual discharge, or persistent discomfort. Do not rely on email or an online form for an urgent eye problem.
What problems can unsafe contact lens wear cause?
Irritation and dryness
Discomfort, dryness, or an irritated eye can have several causes. Remove the lenses and ask your eye-care professional for guidance instead of changing solutions or wear time on your own.
Corneal injury or inflammation
A poorly fitting lens, trapped particle, overwear, or other problem can injure or inflame the cornea. Pain, light sensitivity, or reduced vision needs prompt evaluation.
Microbial keratitis
Microbial keratitis is a serious infection of the cornea. Germs are more likely to invade when lenses are worn too long, exposed to water, or not cleaned and stored correctly.
Problems from low oxygen or overwear
Wearing lenses longer than directed can stress the cornea and contribute to swelling or other changes. Follow the prescribed daily wear and replacement schedule.
Common contact lens hygiene questions
Can I rinse or store lenses in water?
No. Do not rinse or store contact lenses in tap, bottled, distilled, lake, or ocean water. Use the contact lens solution recommended for your lenses.
Can I sleep in my contact lenses?
Avoid sleeping or napping in contact lenses unless your eye-care professional has specifically prescribed them for extended wear and given you a schedule.
Can I add fresh solution to old solution?
No. Empty the used solution, clean the case with fresh contact lens solution, and use fresh solution every time you store reusable lenses.
How often should I replace my lens case?
The CDC recommends replacing a contact lens case at least once every three months. Replace it sooner if your eye-care professional or the product instructions direct you to do so.
