Guide
Contact lens safety
The daily habits that prevent serious contact lens infections, plus what to do if a lens-wearing eye gets red or painful.
Get help the same day if you have
- A red, painful eye while wearing contact lenses
- Blurred vision, light sensitivity or a white spot on the eye
- Discharge or watering that does not settle after removing the lens
Call an eye doctor now or go to an emergency department. Eye emergencies guide
Why it matters
According to the CDC, about 45 million people in the US wear contact lenses. Most never have a problem, but lens wearers are at higher risk of keratitis, an infection of the cornea that can scar it and permanently reduce vision. Most serious infections are linked to habits that can be changed.
The rules that prevent most infections
- Wash and dry your hands before touching your lenses or eyes.
- Never sleep in lenses unless your eye doctor prescribed lenses for overnight wear.
- Keep water away. Do not rinse or store lenses in tap water, and do not swim or shower in lenses. Water can carry Acanthamoeba, which causes a severe infection.
- Use fresh solution every time. Never top up old solution in the case.
- Rub and rinse lenses if your solution instructions say to.
- Care for your case. Rinse with solution, let it air-dry face down, and replace it at least every three months.
- Replace lenses on schedule. Dailies are single-use. Two-weekly and monthly lenses should not be stretched.
- Keep a pair of glasses so you can give your eyes a break.
If your eye becomes red or painful
Take the lens out and do not put it back in. If pain, redness, blurred vision or light sensitivity do not improve quickly, see an eye doctor the same day and bring the lens and case. Do not use leftover antibiotic or steroid drops on your own.
Regular check-ups
A yearly contact lens exam checks that lenses still fit and that the cornea is getting enough oxygen. Our glasses-to-contacts converter explains why contact prescriptions differ from glasses.
Watch
Questions people ask
Is it OK to nap in my contacts?
Sleeping in lenses not approved for overnight wear raises the risk of corneal infection several times over, even for a short nap. Take them out.
Can I buy colored contacts without a prescription?
In the US, all contact lenses, including cosmetic and costume lenses, are medical devices that need a prescription and a proper fitting.