Clean hands, fresh solution and the wearing schedule your optometrist gave you are the basics of looking after your contact lenses. These tips are general, so always follow the instructions that came with your lenses and the advice of your optometrist.
The habits that matter most
- Wash and dry your hands before you handle your lenses.
- Keep water away from your lenses and your case. Never use tap water, any other water or saliva on them, and take your lenses out for swimming, hot tubs, showers and water sports, unless you are wearing goggles.
- Rub, rinse and store. After you take your lenses out, rub them gently with a few drops of solution in the palm of your hand, rinse both sides, and store them in fresh solution. Never top up or re-use old solution.
- Dailies are for one day. Throw daily lenses away after each use. Two-weekly and monthly lenses are cleaned each time you take them out.
- Follow your schedule. Wear your lenses as your optometrist advised, never sleep in them unless you were told you can, and throw them away when they pass their expiry date.
- Keep your case fresh. Use the new case that comes with each new bottle of solution, and do not switch solutions unless your optometrist advises it.
- Make-up and eye drops. Put your lenses in before you apply cream or make-up, and take them out before you remove your make-up or wash your face. Do not use eye drops with your lenses without your optometrist's advice.
- Keep an up-to-date pair of glasses handy for when your eyes need a rest from your lenses.
- If your eyes feel irritated or red, or you feel unwell, take your lenses out and ask your optometrist for advice.
Check-ups
A contact lens is a medical device, so contact lenses always start with an eye test and a fitting, and they are sold only on a current prescription. Contact lens wearers need a check of the cornea every six months and a full eye test every year.
Read the full list on our caring for your contact lenses page and our tips for contact lens wearers, or book an eye test.