Contact lenses are one of the most convenient and popular ways to see clearly—but they’re also medical devices that sit directly on the surface of your eye. A well-fitted, properly cared-for lens can give you all-day comfort and crisp vision. But small mistakes or overdue exams can lead to irritation, infections, and long-term complications.
Here’s what every contact lens wearer should know to protect their vision.
1. Never Wear Contacts in Water—Ever
Water of all kinds (even clean-looking water) can carry dangerous microorganisms.
To protect your corneas from serious infections:
- Do not wear contact lenses in jacuzzis, hot tubs, thermal springs, lakes, ponds, swimming pools, or the ocean.
- If you must wear lenses for water activities, use well-sealed swim goggles.
- Throw away any lenses that touched water, including water from showers or splash exposure.
Water-loving microbes—especially Acanthamoeba—can cause infections that are painful, difficult to treat, and potentially vision-threatening. Goggles or glasses are always the safer choice.
2. Never Sleep in Contact Lenses
Even “extended wear” lenses significantly increase the risk of infection and inflammation when worn overnight. While sleeping, your eyes get less oxygen, and lenses trap bacteria that can multiply quickly.
If you accidentally fall asleep in your lenses:
Remove them right away, avoid re-wearing them, and monitor your eyes for irritation or redness.
3. Follow the Replacement Schedule Exactly
Your replacement cycle is not based on how many times you wear the lenses—it’s based on the calendar:
- Daily disposables: discard every day
- Two-week lenses: discard every 14 days
- Monthly lenses: discard every 30 days
Protein buildup, bacterial film, and lens dehydration occur even if the lens is worn for only a few hours. Stretching wear time increases the risk of infection and discomfort.
4. Stop Wearing Lenses if Your Eyes Are Red or Irritated
If you experience:
- Redness
- Burning
- Excessive tearing
- Light sensitivity
- A feeling of “something in the eye”
- Vision changes
Stop wearing your contacts immediately. Continuing to wear lenses during irritation or infection can worsen the condition and slow recovery.
5. Always Keep an Up-to-Date Pair of Backup Glasses
If you need to discontinue lens wear—due to an infection, irritation, allergies, or dry eye flare—you’ll need glasses you can comfortably rely on.
Updated backup glasses ensure:
- You never feel pressured to wear lenses when your eyes need a break
- You maintain safe, clear vision during healing
- You can avoid wearing old, incorrect prescriptions that cause strain
6. Contacts Need Plenty of Tear Lubrication
For peak comfort and clarity, contact lenses rely on a healthy tear film.
If you experience dryness:
- Use preservative-free lubricating drops safe for contact lenses
- Stay hydrated
- Follow the lens replacement schedule
- Consider switching to daily disposables or newer lens materials if dryness persists
Regular exams help us determine whether your current lens type is the best match for your tear chemistry.
7. Why Annual Contact Lens Exams Are Essential
Even if your lenses seem comfortable, your eyes can change in ways you don’t notice.
A yearly contact lens exam allows us to:
- Ensure your corneas remain healthy
- Check for early signs of inflammation or infection
- Confirm the lens fit is still appropriate
- Evaluate oxygen levels reaching the cornea
- Update your prescription for optimal sharpness
- Introduce you to new lens technologies with better hydration and comfort
Small issues today can become serious problems if ignored. Annual exams protect your long-term eye health and ensure your lenses remain safe and enjoyable to wear.
Keep Your Eyes Safe and Your Vision Sharp
Smart contact lens habits + annual exams ensure you get the comfort, clarity, and long-term safety your eyes deserve.
Schedule your next contact lens eye exam today. Call 415-673-2020 or use our new instant online booking tool here.
— Your Optometry Team at Acuity Vision Optometry Boutique
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