When should I remove my contacts and call an eye-care professional?

Remove your lenses and seek prompt professional advice if you develop eye pain, redness, light sensitivity, sudden blurry vision, unusual discharge, or persistent discomfort.

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.

Remove the lenses as soon as possible. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises discarding them or cleaning and disinfecting them overnight before wearing them again. Never rinse or store lenses in water or saliva.

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.

Sources and review status

This patient education page was reviewed against current prevention and infection guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and contact lens care guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on September 2, 2026. It provides general information and does not replace individualized medical advice.