Contact lenses are one of the most convenient vision corrections available — worn by tens of millions of people every day with no issues. But eye doctors consistently see infections and complications that were entirely preventable, caused by habits most people don’t even realize are problematic.
This isn’t meant to scare you off lenses. It’s meant to keep you wearing them safely for years to come.
The Big Ones: What Not to Do
Don’t Sleep in Your Lenses
Unless your doctor has specifically prescribed extended-wear lenses for overnight use, sleeping in contacts significantly increases the risk of serious eye infection. Your cornea gets its oxygen from the air while you sleep — a lens on top blocks that supply and creates a warm, moist environment where bacteria thrive.
Even a single accidental nap can cause problems. If you wear daily disposables, that’s your cue to take them out before you settle in anywhere.
Don’t Use Tap Water
Tap water is not sterile. It can contain Acanthamoeba, a microscopic organism that causes one of the most serious — and notoriously difficult to treat — contact lens-related eye infections. Never rinse your lenses with tap water, never store them in tap water, and be careful about showering or swimming with lenses in.
Don’t “Top Off” Your Case Solution
Topping off means adding fresh solution to old solution already in the case. The old solution becomes contaminated over time. Always dump out whatever’s left, rinse the case with fresh solution, let it air dry face-down, and refill completely.
Don’t Wear Lenses Past Their Replacement Schedule
Two-week lenses worn for three weeks. Monthly lenses stretched to six weeks. It happens constantly. The deposits that build up on lenses over time — proteins, lipids, calcium — irritate the eye surface and reduce how much oxygen gets through. Stick to the schedule your doctor prescribed.
What to Do Instead
Wash your hands before handling lenses. Every time. Soap and water, rinsed and dried with a lint-free towel.
Replace your case monthly. Cases harbor bacteria even with perfect solution habits. Most lens solution packs include a new case — use it.
Use the solution your doctor recommends. Not all multipurpose solutions work equally well with all lens materials. If you’ve switched brands or are using a generic, let your doctor know.
Have a backup pair of glasses. Contact lens-related eye problems always seem to happen at the worst times. A current pair of glasses lets you give your eyes a break when they need it.
Keep up with your annual exam. Contact lens prescriptions expire for good reason. Your eyes can change, and a fit that was correct two years ago may not be optimal today.
Warning Signs to Take Seriously
Remove your lenses immediately and call us if you experience:
- Sudden redness or pain
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred vision that doesn’t clear when you remove the lens
- Unusual discharge
- A feeling of something in your eye that doesn’t go away
These can be signs of a corneal infection, and early treatment makes a significant difference in outcomes.
Contact us or call 860-676-2376 if you have concerns. We’re always glad to answer a quick question — it’s much better to call than to wait.
