Contact Lens Care and Hygiene: A Practical Guide

Proper contact lens hygiene is not optional — it is essential for protecting your eye health. The vast majority of contact lens-related eye infections are preventable with consistent, correct care. Whether you're a new wearer or have used lenses for years, it's worth reviewing your habits against these guidelines.

The Golden Rule: Always Wash Your Hands First

Before touching your lenses, your eyes, or your lens case, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry them with a clean, lint-free towel. This single step eliminates the most common route of contamination.

Cleaning and Storing Monthly Lenses

If you wear monthly or two-weekly disposable lenses, a proper cleaning routine is non-negotiable:

  1. Rub and rinse: After removing your lenses, place each lens in the palm of your hand, apply a few drops of multipurpose solution, and rub gently with your finger for 20–30 seconds. This mechanical action removes deposits and microorganisms even when using a "no-rub" solution.
  2. Rinse: Rinse the lens with solution to remove loosened deposits.
  3. Store: Place the lens in a clean lens case filled with fresh solution. Never top up old solution — always pour it out and refill.
  4. Soak overnight: Ensure the lens is fully submerged and leave for the minimum soak time recommended on your solution packaging.

Lens Case Hygiene

Your lens case is a common but overlooked source of contamination. Follow these steps:

  • After inserting your lenses in the morning, empty and rinse the case with fresh solution (not water).
  • Leave it open and face down on a clean tissue to air dry.
  • Replace your lens case at least every 3 months, or when you get a new bottle of solution — many brands include a new case with each bottle.

What to Avoid

  • Never use tap water on lenses or cases. Tap water can contain microorganisms, including Acanthamoeba, which can cause a serious and painful eye infection.
  • Never sleep in lenses unless specifically prescribed for extended wear by your optician.
  • Never wear lenses in the shower or swimming pool.
  • Don't use saliva to wet a lens.
  • Don't exceed the replacement schedule. A monthly lens should be replaced after 30 days regardless of how often it was worn during that period.

Caring for Daily Disposable Lenses

Daily lenses require no cleaning — simply dispose of each lens at the end of the day. Never attempt to clean and reuse a daily lens. The material degrades with wear, and the lenses are not designed or tested for reuse.

Wearing Lenses With Eye Makeup

  • Insert lenses before applying eye makeup.
  • Remove lenses before removing makeup.
  • Avoid applying liner to the inner (waterline) edge of the eye — this can block the tiny glands in the eyelid margin and increase the risk of infection.
  • Replace eye makeup (especially mascara) regularly, and never share it.

Signs of a Contact Lens-Related Eye Problem

Remove your lenses immediately and seek advice from your optician or a medical professional if you experience:

  • Redness that doesn't settle after removing lenses
  • Pain, burning, or stinging
  • Blurred vision that doesn't clear
  • Unusual discharge or watering
  • Light sensitivity

Eye infections caught early are much easier to treat. Never ignore symptoms or continue wearing lenses through discomfort.

Visit EVORA Eyewear in Bhayandar West

EVORA is located at Shop No. 5, Nandgaon Building, Salasar Brij Bhoomi, opposite Maxus Mall, Bhayandar West. If you have any concerns about your contact lens wear, our team is happy to advise. We also stock contact lens solutions and cases in store.

Related guides:

Back to blog