Most of us don’t give much thought to our contacts once they are in—until our eyes start feeling dry, irritated, or just “off.” It happens more often than you would think, and in many cases, it comes down to hygiene. At 20/20 Eyecare, many patients from Middle Village and Mineola come in with contact lens problems. The solution is often simple: better daily habits.
Whether you are wearing contact lenses for convenience or as part of a myopia management plan, keeping them clean is essential to keeping your eyes healthy.
Why Contact Lens Hygiene Matters
Your eyes are incredibly sensitive, and improper lens care can lead to serious issues like:
- Eye infections (including microbial keratitis)
- Redness, irritation, or dry eye
- Corneal ulcers or even vision loss in extreme cases
Good hygiene is not just about comfort—it is about protecting your sight.
6 Contact Lens Hygiene Tips You Need to Know
The good news? Keeping your eyes safe while wearing contacts is not complicated—it just takes a few consistent habits. Whether new or worn contacts for years, these tips are a great refresher to prevent irritation, dryness, or infection. Let's break them down one by one:
1. Wash and Dry Your Hands First
Before you touch your lenses (or your eyes), always wash your hands with soap and water and dry them with a clean, lint-free towel. Even small amounts of dirt, lotion, or bacteria can move from your fingers to your lenses. This can lead to irritation or infection.
2. Use Fresh Contact Lens Solution Every Time
Never reuse old solution in your case, and never “top it off.” It might seem like a shortcut, but the solution loses its disinfecting power after one use. Always use fresh, multipurpose solution recommended by your doctor.
3. Don’t Sleep in Your Lenses
Unless we have told you otherwise, it is best to take your contacts out before bed. Sleeping in lenses limits oxygen to the eye and increases the risk of serious infections. Even “extended wear” lenses can be risky if not monitored closely.
4. Follow Your Prescribed Wearing Schedule
Each lens type has its own timeline—daily, bi-weekly, or monthly. Don’t stretch it. Wearing lenses longer than recommended can cause buildup and irritation. It can also reduce oxygen flow, even if they feel fine.
5. Keep Your Lens Case Clean and Replace It Often
Your case needs care, too. Rinse it with contact lens solution (not water), let it air dry face down, and replace it every one to three months. Bacteria love moist, closed spaces—and old cases are one of the top culprits behind infections.
6. Avoid Water—Yes, Even the Shower
Water may seem harmless, but it can carry microorganisms like Acanthamoeba that can stick to lenses and cause serious eye infections. Always remove your contacts before swimming or showering. Never rinse them in tap water.
How to Know When to Replace Contact Lenses
Not sure when it is time to toss your lenses? Here is a cheat sheet:
- Daily disposables: Throw them away after one use. No exceptions.
- Bi-weekly/monthly lenses: Replace on schedule—even if they feel fine.
- Ripped, cloudy, or uncomfortable lenses? Get rid of them immediately.
Noticing dryness, redness, or blurry vision? It might be time to check in with us for a lens refitting or dry eye treatment.
Protect Your Vision and Keep Your Eyes Comfortable in New York
Ready to enjoy clear, comfortable vision without worry? Let’s make sure your contact lenses are working for you, not against you. Book an eye exam at 20/20 Eyecare in Middle Village or Mineola and get personalized guidance to keep your eyes healthy and your vision sharp every single day.
