Contact lens habits that lower infection risk

Contact lenses are a safe and convenient choice for many people when they're worn and cared for as directed. The risk comes mostly from small shortcuts that feel harmless: a nap with lenses in, a quick rinse under the tap, topping up yesterday's solution.

In a national survey reported by the CDC, more than 99 percent of contact lens wearers admitted to at least one risky habit. So if you recognise yourself below, you're far from alone.

Why small habits matter

A contact lens sits directly on the cornea, the clear front window of the eye. Germs on your fingers, in water or in an old case can end up trapped against it. The AAO notes that about 45 million Americans wear contacts and that thousands develop infections each year from not following wear and care instructions. Some of these infections need long treatment, and some can affect vision permanently.

The most common risky habits

From the CDC survey:

• 82.3 percent kept their lens case for longer than recommended
• 55.1 percent topped off old solution in the case instead of emptying it
• 50.2 percent wore their lenses while sleeping

Don't sleep in your lenses

The American Academy of Ophthalmology says sleeping in contact lenses raises the risk of a serious eye infection six to eightfold. This applies whether you use extended-wear lenses or just nod off in them now and then. One ophthalmologist quoted by the AAO puts it simply: don't even take a nap in them.

If your eye care professional has prescribed lenses for overnight wear, follow their specific instructions and ask them about the risks.

Keep water away from your lenses

• Don't rinse or store lenses in tap water.
• Take lenses out before showering or swimming, as the CDC recommends.
• Wash your hands and dry them thoroughly before touching your lenses.

The AAO describes cases where sleeping and swimming in lenses was followed by a rare, hard-to-treat infection called acanthamoeba keratitis.

Look after your case and solution

The CDC recommends:

• Rubbing and rinsing lenses in disinfecting solution each time you take them out
• Using fresh solution every time, never topping off old solution
• Cleaning the case with solution (not water), drying it, and storing it upside down with the caps off
• Replacing your lens case at least every three months

Other good habits

• Follow your replacement schedule. Daily lenses are for one day. Monthly lenses are for the stated period.
• Get lenses through a prescription. The AAO describes a teenager who developed a corneal ulcer and a permanent scar after wearing lenses bought without a prescription. This includes decorative lenses.
• Carry a backup pair of glasses. The CDC suggests this so you're never tempted to keep lenses in when your eyes feel wrong.
• Keep your check-ups. Your eye care professional can check the fit and the health of your eye surface.

Listen to your eyes

If a lens feels uncomfortable, take it out. Discomfort is a reason to stop, not something to push through. Contact lens wearers often have dry eyes too, so if lenses feel worse at the end of the day, mention it at your next appointment. A note of how many hours you wore them and how your eyes felt can make that conversation easier.

When to see someone

Take your lenses out and contact your eye care professional if:

• Your eyes are uncomfortable, red or watery and it doesn't settle after removing the lenses
• You have discomfort that keeps coming back with a particular lens or solution
• Your vision with lenses isn't as clear as it used to be