Contact Lens Safety: Avoid Infections, Damage, and Vision Loss

When you wear contact lenses, thin, clear lenses worn directly on the eye to correct vision. Also known as soft or rigid gas permeable lenses, they’re convenient—but only if used correctly. Millions skip basic hygiene steps, not realizing they’re risking permanent eye damage. A single night of sleeping in lenses not meant for overnight wear can turn a minor irritation into a corneal ulcer, a painful open sore on the cornea often caused by bacterial or fungal infection. These aren’t rare. The CDC reports over 1 million eye infections each year in the U.S. alone, and contact lenses are a leading cause.

Contact lens hygiene, the daily routine of cleaning, storing, and replacing lenses to prevent contamination isn’t optional. It’s your first line of defense. Rubbing lenses with solution, even if the bottle says "no-rub," cuts bacteria by up to 90%. Never use tap water, saliva, or rewetting drops as a substitute for proper disinfecting solution. And don’t stretch your lens life beyond the date printed on the box—whether it’s daily, biweekly, or monthly. That expiration isn’t a suggestion. It’s a safety cutoff.

Many people don’t realize that eye infections, inflammation or damage caused by microbes entering the eye through compromised lenses or poor handling can happen fast—and get worse fast. Redness, pain, blurred vision, or light sensitivity aren’t just "eye strain." They’re red flags. If you feel even a hint of discomfort, take your lenses out. Don’t wait. Don’t try to power through. See an eye doctor within 24 hours. Waiting can mean losing vision in that eye.

It’s not just about cleaning. Your case matters too. Replace it every three months, even if it looks clean. Biofilm builds up invisibly—like mold in your shower drain. And never top off old solution. Always dump it out and start fresh. Storing lenses in water or leaving them in the case for days without cleaning? That’s how you grow a petri dish on your eye.

There’s also a big difference between daily disposables and reusable lenses. If you’re tired of cleaning, switching to daily disposables cuts infection risk by half. No case. No solution. Just throw them out at night. Simple. Safe. And surprisingly affordable now.

And what about overnight wear? Only use lenses FDA-approved for extended wear—and even then, follow your doctor’s advice. Sleeping in lenses increases infection risk by 10 to 15 times. Your eyes need oxygen. They’re not designed to be covered for hours while you sleep.

Don’t let convenience blind you to the risks. Contact lenses are medical devices, not accessories. The same care you give your phone or car should go into your eyes. Wash hands before touching lenses. Never share them. Don’t swim or shower in them. And if your eyes ever feel off, stop using them—right away.

Below, you’ll find real, evidence-based guides on everything from spotting early signs of damage to choosing the right solution and understanding why your doctor keeps asking if you sleep in your lenses. These aren’t theory pages. They’re practical checks you can use today to protect your sight.