Contact lenses are convenient, comfortable, and discreet – but only if you treat them right. Poor hygiene can turn a simple oversight into a painful eye infection or worse.
At Apex Vision in West Edmonton, we’ve seen what happens when patients don’t follow the rules of contact lens care. Luckily, it doesn’t take much to keep your lenses clean and your eyes protected. These smart habits will help keep your vision sharp and your contacts irritation-free.
1. Always Wash and Dry Your Hands First
This one’s non-negotiable. Before touching your lenses – or even your eyelids – wash your hands with plain, unscented soap and dry them with a lint-free towel. Oily or perfumed products can leave residue that clings to your lenses and irritates your eyes.
Just imagine placing a lens on your fingertip after touching your phone or doorknob. That’s why handwashing is the first – and most important – step in any contact lens routine.
2. Clean Your Lenses Daily (Unless They’re Daily Disposables)
Unless you’re using single-use daily lenses, your contacts need to be cleaned and disinfected every day. The solution you use matters – don’t substitute with saline, tap water, or anything else not designed for lens care.
There are different solutions for different lens types, so check with your optometrist if you’re unsure what’s right for your eyes.
When in doubt, go with a recommended brand that works for your specific lens material and eye health needs.
3. Keep Water Away from Your Lenses
Water might seem harmless, but your contact lenses don’t agree. Tap water – and even filtered water – contains bacteria and microorganisms that can cling to your lenses and lead to serious infections like Acanthamoeba keratitis.
Never rinse your lenses or case with water. If you swim with contacts in, wear goggles and clean your lenses with solution as soon as you’re out of the pool.
4. Don’t Ever Use Saliva to Moisten Lenses
It sounds strange, but it happens more than you’d think. If your lenses feel dry or uncomfortable, do not use your mouth to wet them. Saliva carries bacteria that can easily lead to eye infections.
Instead, always keep a travel-sized bottle of your lens solution with you – so you’re never tempted to cut corners.
5. Never “Top Off” Old Solution
If you’ve ever poured fresh contact lens solution into your case without emptying the old stuff first – stop. This is called “topping off,” and it dilutes the disinfectant, leaving bacteria behind.
Always dump out the used solution, rinse your case with fresh solution, and let it air dry before refilling it. Clean solution only works if it’s truly clean.
6. Replace Your Contact Lens Case Regularly
Your lens case is easy to overlook – but it’s a breeding ground for bacteria if you’re not careful. Even with daily cleaning, microscopic debris and biofilm can build up.
Optometrists recommend replacing your contact lens case every 2–3 months. Set a reminder or change it every time you start a new bottle of solution.
7. Take Your Lenses Out Before Bed (Unless You’re Told Otherwise)
Sleeping in your contacts reduces oxygen flow to your cornea, increasing the risk of infection, discomfort, and long-term eye damage. Unless you’ve been prescribed overnight lenses – like ortho-k lenses – always remove your contacts before you sleep.
Your eyes need time to breathe. Even a short nap with lenses in can cause irritation or soreness the next day.
8. Keep Up with Your Annual Eye Exams
Even if your contacts feel fine, your eyes can change – and so can your prescription. Annual eye exams are essential for monitoring your vision, eye health, and how well your lenses are performing.
At Apex Vision in West Edmonton, we’ll also check for early signs of dry eye, infection, or contact-related complications. And remember: you’ll need an up-to-date prescription before ordering new lenses.
Schedule your Eye Exam at Apex Vision
Caring for your contacts doesn’t have to be complicated – but it does have to be consistent. A few simple habits can save you from discomfort, infection, or worse. If you have any questions about your lenses, your cleaning routine, or your comfort, don’t wait for your next refill.
Contact Apex Vision today or book an appointment with our optometrists to get answers and keep your vision crystal clear.