Contact Lens Hygiene: Everyday Steps for Corneal Safety

Follow the instructions for your lens

Contact lenses are medical devices that sit on the eye. Follow the wearing schedule, replacement frequency and cleaning routine supplied for your specific lens. Wash and dry your hands before handling lenses, and use only the solution recommended for that lens.

Do not top off old solution, share lenses or use a lens beyond its replacement schedule. Store and replace the case as directed by your eye-care professional.

Keep lenses away from water

Tap, pool, lake and shower water are not sterile for contact-lens use. Remove lenses before swimming or showering unless your clinician has given a specific safe plan. Water exposure can introduce organisms that may cause serious eye infection.

Do not rinse lenses or the case with tap water. If a lens contacts water, ask your eye-care professional how to handle it rather than putting it back in automatically.

Know when to stop wearing lenses

Remove lenses and seek prompt eye-care advice for pain, redness, unusual light sensitivity, discharge or blurred vision. A painful red eye in a contact-lens wearer needs same-day assessment; severe or worsening symptoms need urgent local care.

Avoid reusing the lens or starting leftover drops while waiting for advice. Early assessment helps a clinician determine the cause and the right next step.