By Dr. Rachana Tiwari Patil
Consultant Ophthalmologist & Phaco-Refractive Surgeon, Pune
Contact lenses have become a popular alternative to spectacles due to their comfort, convenience, and cosmetic appeal. However, improper contact lens care can lead to serious eye infections, discomfort, redness, and even vision loss. As an ophthalmologist, I often see patients with avoidable eye problems caused by poor lens hygiene.
This blog will guide you through the essential do’s and don’ts of contact lens care, helping you maintain clear vision and healthy eyes.
Why Proper Contact Lens Care Is Important
Contact lenses sit directly on the surface of the eye, making them highly sensitive to bacteria, dirt, and improper handling. Poor hygiene can lead to:
- Eye infections (keratitis, conjunctivitis)
- Redness and irritation
- Dry eyes
- Corneal ulcers
- Blurred or reduced vision
With the right habits and regular eye check-ups, most of these problems are completely preventable.
✅ Do’s of Contact Lens Care
1. Wash and Dry Your Hands Before Handling Lenses
Always wash your hands with soap and water before touching your contact lenses. Dry them with a lint-free towel.
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Dirty hands are one of the most common causes of eye infections among contact lens users.
2. Clean Lenses Only With Recommended Lens Solution
Use only doctor-recommended contact lens solution to clean, rinse, and store your lenses.
❌ Never use tap water, bottled water, or saliva.
These can contain microorganisms harmful to your eyes.
3. Clean and Replace the Lens Case Regularly
Your lens case can harbor bacteria if not cleaned properly.
Best practices:
- Rinse the case with fresh lens solution (not water)
- Let it air dry
- Replace the case every 1–3 months
4. Follow the Replacement Schedule Strictly
Whether you use daily, monthly, or yearly contact lenses, follow the replacement schedule advised by your eye doctor.
Wearing lenses longer than recommended reduces oxygen supply to the eyes and increases infection risk.
5. Remove Contact Lenses Before Sleeping
Unless you are prescribed special extended-wear lenses, do not sleep with contact lenses.
Sleeping with lenses can cause:
- Reduced oxygen to the cornea
- Dryness
- Increased risk of corneal infection
6. Remove Lenses Before Swimming or Showering
Water from swimming pools, showers, or hot tubs can introduce harmful organisms into your eyes.
If swimming is unavoidable, wear protective goggles and remove lenses immediately afterward.
7. Go for Regular Eye Check-Ups
Regular eye examinations help detect early signs of infection, dryness, or corneal damage.
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Consult your ophthalmologist at least once a year, or immediately if you experience discomfort.
❌ Don’ts of Contact Lens Care
1. Don’t Use Tap Water on Contact Lenses
Tap water is not sterile and may contain bacteria and parasites that can cause severe eye infections such as Acanthamoeba keratitis.
2. Don’t Reuse or Top-Up Old Lens Solution
Always discard old solution and use fresh solution every time you store your lenses.
Reusing solution increases bacterial growth.
3. Don’t Share Contact Lenses
Contact lenses are medical devices and should never be shared, even for cosmetic or occasional use.
4. Don’t Wear Expired or Damaged Lenses
Expired lenses can become brittle and unsafe.
Damaged lenses can scratch the cornea, leading to pain and infection.
5. Don’t Ignore Eye Discomfort
Never ignore symptoms like:
- Redness
- Pain
- Watering
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
Remove the lenses immediately and consult an eye specialist.
Warning Signs That Need Immediate Medical Attention
Seek prompt medical care if you notice:
- Persistent redness
- Severe eye pain
- Discharge from the eyes
- Sudden vision changes
- Foreign body sensation
Early treatment can prevent long-term vision damage.
Contact Lens Care for Children and Teenagers
Children and teenagers using contact lenses need extra supervision. Parents should ensure:
- Proper hygiene
- Limited wearing time
- Regular eye check-ups
- Immediate reporting of discomfort
Common Myths About Contact Lenses
Myth 1: Contact lenses can get lost behind the eye
Fact: This is anatomically impossible.
Myth 2: Lenses are unsafe
Fact: When used correctly, contact lenses are safe and effective.
Myth 3: Occasional sleeping with lenses is harmless
Fact: Even occasional overnight wear increases infection risk.
Tips for First-Time Contact Lens Users
- Get lenses prescribed by a qualified ophthalmologist
- Learn proper insertion and removal techniques
- Start with limited wear time
- Always carry spectacles as a backup
Why Consult an Ophthalmologist for Contact Lenses?
An ophthalmologist:
- Checks eye health before prescribing lenses
- Recommends the right lens type
- Detects early complications
- Provides personalized eye care advice
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About Dr. Rachana Tiwari Patil
Dr. Rachana Tiwari Patil is a Consultant Ophthalmologist & Phaco-Refractive Surgeon practicing at Chetna Hospital, Chinchwad, Pune. With extensive experience in eye care, cataract surgery, and refractive procedures, Dr. Patil is committed to providing safe, ethical, and patient-focused eye treatment.
📍 Location: Chetna Hospital, Chinchwad, Pune
📞 Appointment: 9168690448 / 9158681123
