Contact Lens Hygiene: Safe Practices, Risks, and What Really Works

When you wear contact lenses, thin, curved plastic lenses worn directly on the eye to correct vision. Also known as eye lenses, they’re convenient—but only if you treat them like the medical device they are. Skipping simple hygiene steps isn’t just careless; it’s a direct path to eye infections, inflammation or invasion of the eye by bacteria, fungi, or parasites. A single night of sleeping in lenses or rinsing them with tap water can turn a routine habit into a vision-threatening emergency.

Lens cleaning solutions, sterile formulas designed to disinfect and store contact lenses aren’t interchangeable. Saline solution cleans debris but doesn’t kill germs. Multipurpose solutions do both—but only if you rub the lenses, even if the bottle says "no-rub." Tap water, bottled water, saliva, or homemade saltwater? Never. Ocular health, the overall condition of the eye and its ability to function without disease or damage depends on how consistently you follow the rules. Studies show over 90% of contact lens wearers skip at least one hygiene step, and those who do are 10 times more likely to develop microbial keratitis—a painful, sight-threatening corneal infection.

It’s not just about cleaning. Storage cases matter. Replace them every three months, rinse with fresh solution (never water), and leave them open to air-dry between uses. Daily disposables cut risk dramatically, but even then, wash your hands before touching your eyes. Cosmetics? Apply makeup after inserting lenses, remove them before taking off makeup. Don’t reuse daily lenses. Don’t top off old solution. Don’t swim or shower in lenses unless they’re specifically designed for it—and even then, wear goggles.

These aren’t suggestions. They’re non-negotiable. Every year, thousands of people end up in emergency rooms with corneal ulcers caused by poor lens hygiene. Some lose vision permanently. The good news? Almost all of these cases are preventable. You don’t need expensive products or complicated routines. Just consistency. Clean hands. Fresh solution. Proper storage. Timely replacement.

Below, you’ll find real-world advice from medical experts and patient experiences that break down exactly what works—and what puts your eyes at risk. Whether you’re new to contacts or have worn them for years, there’s something here that could save your sight.