Posted by: Eye Health Northwest in Uncategorized on December 17, 2025
Contact lenses offer freedom and convenience for millions of people, eliminating the hassle of glasses while providing clear vision throughout the day. However, proper contact lens care is crucial to prevent infections and serious complications that can jeopardize your eye health.
Keep reading to learn the essential daily practices that will keep your eyes healthy and your contacts comfortable.
The Basics of Cleaning Your Contact Lenses
The foundation of contact lens care starts with clean hands. Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly with a lint-free towel before handling your lenses. This simple step prevents bacteria and debris from transferring to your eyes.
Cleaning your lenses properly requires the rub-and-rinse method, even if you use a solution labeled as “no-rub.” Rub each lens with clean fingers for about 20 seconds per side, then rinse thoroughly with fresh solution. Never use tap water to rinse your lenses, as it harbors dangerous microorganisms that can cause severe infections.
Use fresh solution every single time you clean and disinfect your contacts. Never reuse old solution or top off the solution in your case, as this increases your risk of complications. The contact lens specialists at EyeHealth Northwest recommend multipurpose solutions, such as Clear Care, Complete, or Optifree, for two-week to monthly disposable lenses.
Proper Storage and Case Care
Your contact lens case needs just as much attention as your lenses. After removing your contacts in the morning, rinse the case with sterile contact lens solution (not water), then leave it open to air-dry with the cap off. This prevents bacterial growth inside the case.
Replace your case every three months, or immediately if it becomes cracked or damaged. A contaminated case is a common source of eye infections, so regular replacement is essential for safe wear.
If you only wear your contacts occasionally, be mindful of the storage duration. Some solutions allow storage for up to one month in a tightly closed case, while others are only effective for 24 hours. Check your solution’s package insert for specific storage guidelines, or ask your eye doctor for guidance.
What to Avoid for Safe Contact Lens Wear
Water and contact lenses don’t mix. Remove your contacts before swimming, showering, or using hot tubs.
This is because water contains microorganisms, such as Acanthamoeba, that can attach to your lenses and cause serious, sight-threatening infections. If your lenses are accidentally exposed to water, remove them immediately, clean and disinfect them thoroughly, or discard them.
Sleeping in your contacts also significantly increases your risk of complications. The doctors at EyeHealth Northwest recommend that patients remove their lenses nightly.
Even extended-wear lenses approved for overnight use carry higher risks than those that are removed daily.
When to Contact Your Eye Doctor
Remove your contacts immediately and call EyeHealth Northwest if you experience redness, pain, watery eyes, or sensitivity to light. Blurred vision or discharge from your eye also requires prompt attention, as these can signal an infection or other serious problems.
Most contact lens wearers require an annual check to ensure a proper fit and monitor their eye health. Your eye doctor will perform a complete eye exam every year to maintain the health of your eyes and update your prescription as needed.
Keep Your Eyes Healthy with EyeHealth Northwest
Proper contact lens care ensures that wearing contacts remains safe and comfortable in the long term. Following these essential practices protects your vision and prevents complications that could sideline you from wearing your lenses.
Do you have questions about contact lens care or want to schedule your annual eye exam? Book an appointment with the contact lens specialists at EyeHealth Northwest in Portland, OR, today!
