Updated: January 21, 2026
Contact lens aftercare is the routine you follow after wearing your lenses, including cleaning or disposing of them, caring for the lens case, and monitoring your eyes for irritation. Good aftercare helps remove germs and buildup that can cause discomfort or infections. It also helps you stay on the correct replacement schedule so lenses don’t get overworn.
Quick Steps:
- Wash and dry your hands, then remove your lenses gently without rubbing your eyes.
- If you wear daily disposables, discard them immediately after removal; do not reuse them.
- If you wear reusable lenses, rub, rinse, and disinfect them with the correct solution, then store them in a clean case with fresh solution for the full disinfection time.
- Empty the case, rinse it with solution (not water), and air-dry it, then replace the case regularly as directed.
- Stop wearing contacts and seek prompt eye care for pain, increasing redness, light sensitivity, discharge, or sudden blurry vision.
Consistent aftercare after every wear is one of the most effective ways to keep contact lenses comfortable and reduce 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:
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.
How to Take Care of Contact Lenses. American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). https://www.aao.org/eye-health/glasses-contacts/contact-lens-care. Updated April 22, 2022.
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.
