Smart Hygiene Habits to Care for Your Contact Lenses

Proper contact lens hygiene is one of the most important things you can do to protect your eye health. Habits that seem harmless, such as swimming with your contacts in or topping off old solution, can lead to serious infections and discomfort. Whether you live in Spring Valley or anywhere else in the Las Vegas valley, following these daily habits will help you get the most out of your contact lenses while keeping your eyes safe.

Why Is Handwashing So Important Before Touching Contacts?

Your hands carry bacteria, oils, and debris that you cannot always see. Every time you touch a contact lens with unwashed hands, you risk transferring those contaminants directly onto the lens and then onto your eye. This can lead to irritation, allergic reactions, or infections such as bacterial conjunctivitis or corneal ulcers.

Before inserting or removing your lenses, wash your hands thoroughly with a mild, fragrance-free soap and water. Avoid scented or oily soaps, as their residue can stick to the lens surface and cause discomfort. Dry your hands with a clean, lint-free towel or disposable paper towel before handling your lenses. Also avoid applying hand creams or lotions before touching your contacts.

How Should You Clean and Disinfect Your Lenses?

Unless you wear daily disposable lenses, you need to clean and disinfect your contact lenses every day. After removing each lens, place it in your palm, apply a few drops of the recommended solution, and gently rub the lens with your fingertip, even if you use a no-rub solution. This mechanical cleaning step helps remove protein deposits, lipids, and microorganisms that can build up on the lens surface.

Rinse the lens with fresh solution after rubbing, then place it in a clean case filled with fresh disinfecting solution. There are several types of cleaning systems available, including multipurpose solutions and hydrogen peroxide-based systems. Talk to our team about which solution is best for your lens type and your eyes.

Can Water Damage Your Contact Lenses?

Yes. Tap water, pool water, lake water, and even distilled water should never come into contact with your lenses. Water can contain microorganisms, including Acanthamoeba, a parasite that can cause a severe and difficult-to-treat corneal infection. Water can also cause soft contact lenses to swell, change shape, and fit differently on your eye.

If you need to swim while wearing contacts, wear watertight goggles over your lenses and clean them with fresh solution immediately afterward. Ideally, switch to a fresh pair of lenses after any water exposure. Never rinse your lenses with water as a substitute for contact lens solution.

Why Should You Never Use Saliva to Wet Your Lenses?

Your mouth contains a large number of bacteria that are not harmful in your digestive system but can cause serious infections if introduced to your eyes. Using saliva to moisten or clean a contact lens puts you at risk for eye infections. If your lenses feel dry, use rewetting drops recommended by your eye doctor instead.

What Happens If You Top Off Old Contact Lens Solution?

Adding fresh solution on top of yesterday’s used solution reduces the disinfecting power of the solution. The old solution has already been partially depleted of its active ingredients, and mixing it with fresh solution creates a weaker concentration that may not effectively kill bacteria and other organisms. Always dump out all old solution from your case, rinse the case with fresh solution, and refill with new solution each time you store your lenses.

How Often Should You Replace Your Contact Lens Case?

Your contact lens case can harbor bacteria, fungi, and biofilm even when it looks clean. Replace your lens case at least every two to three months, or whenever you open a new bottle of solution. Between replacements, rinse the case with fresh contact lens solution after each use, and leave it open to air dry face-down on a clean tissue. Never rinse the case with water.

Is It Safe to Sleep in Your Contact Lenses?

Unless your eye doctor has specifically prescribed lenses approved for overnight wear, you should always remove your contact lenses before sleeping. Sleeping in lenses that are not designed for overnight use reduces the amount of oxygen that reaches your cornea, which can lead to redness, swelling, corneal ulcers, and infection. Even a short nap in unapproved lenses increases your risk.

If you wear orthokeratology lenses, which are specialty lenses designed to reshape the cornea while you sleep, follow your eye doctor’s specific instructions for overnight wear and lens care.

When Should You See Your Eye Doctor About Lens Discomfort?

If you experience persistent redness, pain, blurry vision, unusual discharge, or sensitivity to light while wearing contacts, remove your lenses and contact your eye doctor promptly. These symptoms could indicate an infection or other condition that requires professional attention. Do not try to wait it out or treat it on your own.

Do not forget to schedule your annual eye exam at Insight Vision Optometry, Las Vegas. Regular exams ensure your prescription is current, your lenses still fit properly, and your eyes remain healthy. Call 702-747-4070 or visit www.insightvisionlv.com to book your appointment.