Updated: January 20, 2026
To care for contact lenses, follow your prescribed wear schedule, keep lenses and cases clean, and use only the recommended solution and replacement routine. Good lens care lowers the risk of irritation and infection because it helps remove germs and buildup that can stick to lenses. The safest routine depends on your lens type, so your product label and eye care professional’s instructions should guide every step.
Do:
- Wash and dry your hands before handling lenses, and use fresh disinfecting solution every time you store them.
- Clean and disinfect reusable lenses exactly as directed, and replace lenses on the schedule prescribed (daily, bi-weekly, monthly, etc.).
- Empty, rinse with solution, and air-dry your case daily, and replace the case regularly.
Don’t:
- Don’t use water or saliva on lenses or cases, and don’t rinse lenses with tap water.
- Don’t “top off” old solution with new solution; always discard old solution and refill with fresh solution.
- Don’t sleep, swim, or shower in contacts unless your eye doctor specifically approves it, and stop wearing lenses for pain, redness, light sensitivity, discharge, or sudden blurry vision.
Consistent care and correct replacement habits are essential for keeping contacts comfortable and reducing the risk of preventable eye infections.
Disclaimer: This information is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
References:
Preventing Eye Infections When Wearing Contacts. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). https://www.cdc.gov/contact-lenses/prevention/index.html. Updated May 27, 2025.
About Cleaning, Disinfecting, and Storing Contact Lenses. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). https://www.cdc.gov/contact-lenses/about/about-cleaning-disinfecting-and-storing-contact-lenses.html. Updated May 27, 2025.
Contact Lenses: Safe Use of Hydrogen Peroxide Solution. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/contact-lenses-safe-use-hydrogen-peroxide-solution. Published July 26, 2023.
