Caring for daily contact lenses

Published on

January 10, 2023

Daily contact lenses are a popular and convenient alternative to eye glasses or extended wear contact lenses for correcting vision. The biggest reason why they are so popular is because they do not require as much maintenance as extended use lenses, however, proper care and handling of contact lenses are essential to ensure the health and comfort of the eyes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 41 million people in the United States wear contact lenses. Of these, 20% report having experienced a contact lens-related eye injury. Proper care and handling of contact lenses can help to reduce the risk of eye injuries and infections.

Follow these tips to properly care for your daily contact lenses

Caring for daily contact lenses is fairly simple, but is important to ensure the health and comfort of the eyes. Here are some key tips for caring for daily contact lenses:

Wash your hands with soap and water and dry them thoroughly before handling contact lenses. This helps to prevent the transfer of oils and other substances that can harm the eyes.
Do not reuse daily contact lenses, daily lenses should be thrown out after use.
Do not use contacts if you will be in contact with water, this includes water sports, swimming and showering. Tap water or other water sources can contain microorganisms that can cause serious eye infections.
Avoid sleeping in contact lenses, unless specifically approved by your optometrist. The eyes need to breathe and receive oxygen while sleeping.
Do not use your daily lenses for longer periods of time than recommended by your optometrist or the manufacturer.
Have a backup pair of eyeglasses on hand in case the contact lenses become dislodged or uncomfortable during physical activity.

By following these tips, you can help to ensure the health and comfort of your eyes while wearing daily contact lenses.

Why should you not sleep with contact lenses on?

It is generally not recommended to sleep in contact lenses, as the eyes need to breathe and receive oxygen while sleeping. However, there are some types of contact lenses that are specifically designed to be worn overnight. Your optometrists can advise you on whether or not it is safe for you to sleep in your contact lenses. To learn more about contact lenses, visit our main contact lens page.

Schedule a contact lens exam with an Eye Doctor near you

If you are seeking an eye doctor who can provide contact lens exams and fittings, look no further. Your optometrists are experienced in providing top-quality care and guidance to ensure the health and comfort of your eyes with contact lenses.