Contact Lenses: Best Practices for Healthy, Comfortable Wear

Contact lenses are a fantastic alternative to glasses — but only when worn and cared for correctly. Skipping even one step in your lens hygiene routine can put you at serious risk of eye infections and long-term damage. Here's everything you need to know to wear contacts safely and comfortably.

Why Contact Lens Hygiene Matters

Your eyes are among the most sensitive organs in the body, and contact lenses sit directly on the ocular surface. When handled improperly, lenses can introduce bacteria, fungi, or parasites to your eye — leading to conditions ranging from mild irritation to serious infections like microbial keratitis, an infection of the cornea that, in severe cases, can cause permanent vision loss.

The good news? The vast majority of contact lens complications are entirely preventable with proper habits.

The Golden Rules of Contact Lens Wear

1. Always Wash Your Hands First

Before touching your lenses — or your eyes — wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Dry them with a lint-free towel. Bacteria, oils, and residue on your fingers transfer directly onto the lens surface and into your eye.

2. Never Sleep in Your Lenses

Unless your optometrist has specifically prescribed extended-wear lenses and approved overnight use, remove your contacts before sleeping. Sleeping in lenses reduces oxygen to the cornea, creating an environment where bacteria can multiply rapidly. Studies show that sleeping in contact lenses increases the risk of serious eye infections by up to 6 to 8 times.

3. Follow Your Replacement Schedule

Daily, fortnightly, and monthly lenses are designed to be replaced on a specific schedule — not worn until they feel uncomfortable. Protein and lipid deposits build up on lens surfaces over time, increasing the risk of irritation and infection. Never stretch the life of your lenses beyond their prescribed replacement date.

4. Clean and Store Lenses Properly

If you wear reusable lenses, always clean them with fresh contact lens solution — never water, saliva, or homemade saline. Follow the rub-and-rinse method even if you're using a "no-rub" solution, as this has been shown to remove more deposits and microorganisms. Store lenses in a clean case with fresh solution each time, and replace your lens case at least every three months.

5. Never Use Water on Your Lenses

Tap water, filtered water, and even distilled water can harbour Acanthamoeba — a microscopic organism that can cause a devastating and extremely painful corneal infection called Acanthamoeba keratitis. Never rinse lenses, your lens case, or your hands (before touching lenses) with water of any kind. This means no swimming or showering in contact lenses.

6. Remove Lenses Before Water Activities

Swimming pools, hot tubs, oceans, and rivers all carry microorganisms that can contaminate your lenses and cause serious infections. Always remove your lenses before swimming. If water exposure is unavoidable, wear daily disposable lenses under well-fitted swimming goggles and discard the lenses immediately afterwards.

7. Don't Overwear Your Lenses

Most contact lenses are designed to be worn for a maximum of 10–12 hours per day. Wearing lenses longer than recommended reduces oxygen to the eye, causes dryness, and increases the risk of complications. Give your eyes time to breathe — alternate with glasses when possible.

8. Keep Eye Drops Contact-Lens Compatible

Not all lubricating eye drops are safe to use while wearing contact lenses. Always check that any drops you use are labelled as compatible with contact lenses, or remove your lenses before instilling drops and wait 15 minutes before reinserting.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Remove your lenses immediately and contact your optometrist if you experience any of the following:

• Redness, pain, or significant discomfort
• Unusual discharge or watering
• Blurred or hazy vision that doesn't clear when you blink
• Increased light sensitivity
• A feeling that something is stuck in your eye

These can be early signs of infection or other complications. Early treatment is critical — do not wait to see if symptoms resolve on their own.

Keep Up With Regular Eye Examinations

Contact lens wearers should see their optometrist at least once a year, even if their vision feels unchanged. Your optometrist will assess the health of your cornea and ocular surface, check your lens fit, and update your prescription if needed. Regular reviews catch issues early before they become serious problems.

The Right Lens for You

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to contact lenses. Daily disposables, fortnightly lenses, monthly lenses, toric lenses for astigmatism, multifocal lenses — your optometrist will recommend the most appropriate type for your prescription, lifestyle, and eye health. Never borrow someone else's lenses or purchase contacts without a valid prescription.

Talk to Your Optometrist

Whether you're a first-time wearer or have been in lenses for years, your optometrist is your best resource for personalised advice. Contact lens technology continues to improve, and there may be newer options available that offer better comfort, oxygen transmission, or convenience for your needs.

Healthy contact lens wear comes down to simple, consistent habits. Take care of your lenses, and they'll take care of your vision.

This blog is intended for general informational purposes only. Always follow the advice of your optometrist regarding contact lens wear and care.