Patient education Contact lens safety
Contact Lens Hygiene: Keep the Routine Safer
Contact lenses are medical devices that touch the eye. They can be convenient when fitted and cared for correctly, but poor cleaning, water exposure or sleeping in lenses against advice can increase the risk of serious infection. Follow the instructions for your exact lens and solution.
This educational summary is based on the public references listed below. It does not diagnose or replace advice from an eye-care professional who has examined you.
Start with clean hands and the correct lens
Wash and dry your hands before touching lenses. Use only lenses prescribed or fitted for you, observe their replacement schedule and do not swap lenses with another person. Decorative or cosmetic lenses also need appropriate fitting and care; they are not safe simply because they have no power.
Check the lens packaging, expiry date and left/right markings if your prescription differs between eyes. If a lens is damaged, uncomfortable or contaminated, remove it and ask your eye-care provider what to do. Do not use saliva or tap water to wet or clean a lens.
Clean and store as directed
Use the recommended contact lens solution and follow its label. Do not top off old solution in a case. Replace the case as advised, let it dry as instructed and never rinse it with tap water. Saline may rinse a lens in some systems but does not disinfect it unless the product specifically says so.
Do not shower, swim or sleep in lenses unless an eye-care professional has explicitly advised a specific approved wear schedule. Water can expose lenses to organisms that cause difficult infections. If your routine changes while travelling, pack glasses and enough unexpired supplies rather than stretching the wear time.
Respond to discomfort promptly
Remove lenses if you develop pain, unusual redness, discharge, light sensitivity or blurred vision. Do not put the lens back in to “test” the eye, and do not use leftover antibiotic or steroid drops. Contact an eye professional promptly, especially if symptoms are severe or do not settle.
Bring the lens, case and solution details when seeking advice if the clinic requests them. Keep an up-to-date glasses prescription so you can take a break from lenses when needed.
Make follow-up part of lens wear
A lens that feels comfortable is not proof that it fits safely. Attend fitting and review appointments at the interval recommended by your provider, and report dryness, repeated redness or a change in vision. A lens type or material may need adjustment.
If work, travel or screen use makes you wear lenses longer than planned, discuss that honestly. The solution should fit your eyes and routine, not rely on enduring pain or ignoring warning signs.
Further reading
References used for this guide
These links provide additional general information. Recommendations for an individual eye can differ.
Questions, answered
Common questions
Use these answers to prepare for a consultation. Personal advice depends on an examination.
Can I rinse contact lenses with tap water?
No. Follow the lens and solution instructions; water exposure can contaminate lenses and increase infection risk.
Can I sleep in lenses labelled for extended wear?
Only if your eye-care professional has prescribed that schedule. Overnight wear carries additional infection risk.
What if my eye is red while wearing contacts?
Remove the lens and seek advice, especially with pain, blur, discharge or light sensitivity. Do not self-treat with old drops.
Are coloured lenses cosmetic products?
Even decorative lenses are medical devices requiring proper fitting and care. Use them only with professional guidance.
Jain Eye Hospital & Laser Centre
Bring your questions to an eye-care professional.
A clinician can interpret your symptoms and examination findings for your situation.
General education only. Sudden vision loss, a curtain-like shadow, severe pain, chemical exposure or eye injury may need urgent assessment.