Eye care guide
Contact lens care
Medical reviewer Mr Mohamed Mohyudin· Last recorded site review
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Daily hygiene essentials
Most soft lens wearers use daily disposables or reusable lenses with multipurpose solution. Good hygiene prevents serious corneal infections.
- Wash and dry hands before touching lenses or your eyes
- Use fresh solution each time — never top up old solution
- Clean, rinse and store reusable lenses as your optometrist advises
- Replace lens cases regularly and let them air-dry between uses
How to remove lenses safely
Look up, pull down the lower lid and slide the lens down onto the white of the eye, then pinch gently. If a lens sticks, use rewetting drops and try again. Never use fingernails on the cornea. If removal is painful, stop and seek advice.
Sleeping in lenses and water exposure
Sleeping in lenses not designed for overnight wear sharply raises infection risk. Water — including tap water, pools and showers — can carry microbes that cause sight-threatening keratitis. Remove lenses before swimming or bathing, or use watertight goggles if your clinician agrees.
When to stop wearing lenses
Remove lenses and do not reinsert if you have redness, pain, discharge, light sensitivity or blurred vision. A red, painful eye after lens wear needs same-day assessment, as it can signal corneal ulcer or infection.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sleep in contact lenses?
Only if your lenses and wearing schedule are specifically approved for overnight wear. Routine daily or two-weekly lenses should be removed before sleep unless your clinician says otherwise.
Why is water dangerous for contact lenses?
Tap water and pool water can contain microbes such as Acanthamoeba that cause serious corneal infection. Lenses should only touch sterile lens solution, not water.
How do I remove a stuck contact lens?
Use lubricating drops, wait a minute, then try sliding the lens down before pinching. If it remains stuck or the eye is painful, seek professional help rather than forcing it.
Sources for this information
These references support the information on this page. Follow the linked source for its full context.