Contact lenses
Contact Lens problem solver
Habits that are easy to fall into, why they matter, and what to do instead.
Contact lens problem solver
How many of these do you do?
Contact lenses are medical devices, and most wearers slip into a habit or two that their optometrist would rather they did not. Here are the most common, with the reason each matters and what to do instead. Tap a habit to read more.
Water and hygiene
Keep water, saliva and old solution away
I let tap water touch my lenses
Tap water is not salty like tears are, so contact lenses absorb it and swell. Even water that is safe to drink is not sterile. A swollen lens fits differently and can tighten on the eye, which can cause tiny breaks in the cornea that microorganisms can get into. That is why you should not shower or swim in your lenses, and never use water to store them.
My lenses bother me, so I rinse them with water or saliva
For the same reason, water is not a good idea, and saliva carries bacteria that belong in your mouth and not in your eye. If your lenses bother you and you have no solution or case, it is safest to throw them away. Lubricating drops made for contact lens wearers (not the kind for red eyes) may relieve discomfort. Carry a lens case with you for moments like this.
I re-use my solution
Debris and bacteria from your eyes and your lenses come off into the solution. Re-using it means soaking your lenses in it again. Use fresh solution every time you store your lenses. If you do not want to deal with solutions and cases, ask about daily disposable lenses.
I have used the same lens case for as long as I can remember
Replace your lens case regularly: no more than every three months, and ideally every month. Most solutions are sold with a new case, so use it and throw away the old one.
I wash my lens case with water and close it up while it is still wet
Wash the case with solution, not water, and let it air dry completely before you put the lids back on. It is better to start with a new, clean case than to try to disinfect an old one in the dishwasher or by boiling it.
Solutions and lenses
Stick to your solution and your schedule
I use a different solution from the one I was advised to
Talk to your optometrist about the solution that suits your eyes, and stay with it. Switching solutions without that conversation can lead to allergies, sensitivities and dry eyes.
I use contact lenses I got years ago, or an old bottle of solution
Your prescription may not be right any more, and the solution the lenses are stored in has an expiry date. When it expires, the lens can become uncomfortable and can cause infection because the pH changes. Solutions you buy in a shop also go off, especially in the sun or the heat, so check the expiry dates.
I wear two-weekly lenses once a week, so one pair lasts me 14 weeks
The time a lens is approved for starts when you open the package. It is two weeks from then, not 14 days of wear. After that the surface of the lens starts to break down and to collect protein, mucus and the bacteria normally found on our eyelids, which can lead to infection.
I wear my dailies for more than a day, or my monthlies for more than a month
Contact lenses have pores that help keep them moist, and the pores can trap dirt and debris. Wearing a lens for longer than recommended can lead to irritation, dry eyes, infection or general discomfort.
Comfort and sleep
When in doubt, take them out
My vision is a little blurry, or my eyes hurt a little, but I keep my lenses in
If your lenses cause any discomfort, or your eyes look even slightly red, listen to your eyes. They should look clear and white, feel comfortable and see well. If they do not, something is wrong. Lubricating drops made for contact lens wearers can help. If they do not, take the lenses out, and seek advice if the problem does not go away.
I sleep in my contact lenses
When you are awake, your cornea gets oxygen from the air and from your tears. Asleep, with your eyes closed and no blinking, it gets less, and a lens over it reduces it further. That can make the lens tighten on the eye and cause tiny tears in the cornea, which can lead to infection. Some contact lenses are approved for overnight and extended wear. If you want to sleep in your lenses, talk to your optometrist about whether one of those suits you.
Make-up
There is a right order
I put my lenses in after my make-up
Put your lenses in before you apply make-up, and take them out before you remove your eye make-up. That keeps make-up off your lenses. Do not put creams or lotions on your hands before you handle your lenses either: your hands should be clean.
I use waterproof make-up
If waterproof make-up gets on a lens, it binds to it. Waterproof make-up also needs an oil-based remover, which can leave your eyes and lenses greasy. Contact lens wearers should avoid it.
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