Contact-lens hygiene essentials
The non-negotiable habits that help reduce contact-lens infection risk, from clean hands and fresh solution to keeping lenses away from water.
General patient information
All contact lenses are medical devices and carry some risk. Good habits reduce the chance of infection and inflammation, although they cannot make wear risk-free. Instructions differ by lens and product, so use this overview alongside the care plan supplied by your clinician.
Start with hands and approved products
Wash hands with soap and dry them completely before touching a lens, eye, case or handling aid. Use only recommended solutions, observe expiry and discard dates, and keep bottle tips from touching surfaces. Never use saliva or homemade saline, and never top up used solution.
Keep water away
Remove lenses before showering, swimming or using a hot tub unless your clinician has given specific advice for an unavoidable situation. Do not rinse or store a lens or case in tap or bottled water. Water can carry microorganisms, including those associated with rare but severe corneal infection.
Respect wear, replacement and symptoms
Do not sleep in lenses unless the exact lens has been prescribed for overnight wear. Replace lenses, cases and care accessories on the agreed schedule. Remove lenses and seek prompt advice for pain, marked redness, light sensitivity, discharge or sudden blur; do not mask symptoms by simply changing lenses.
- Keep backup spectacles available.
- Do not share lenses or care products.
- Attend reviews even when wear feels problem-free.