If you wear contacts, you already know how freeing they make you feel compared to glasses. But with that freedom comes a big responsibility – taking care of your contacts. You can’t just toss them like glasses on your nightstand and forget about them.
Keeping your contacts clean is just as essential as cleaning your eyes. Ignoring this costs our eye health and overall well-being. Proper care ensures healthy eyes, clear vision, and comfortable lenses.
Still, we notice that many people around us become careless about it. They rinse their contacts in tap water, are lazy, or stretch wear times longer than recommended.
Apparently, such shortcuts may seem harmless, but they can lead to potential eye damage that includes eye infections, irritation, or long-term damage to the vision.
So, to clear things up, we’ll dive deeper into the topic. From answering your common concerns to sharing the best tips on how to take care of contacts, we’ve got everything you need to know.
Can I Put My Contacts in Water?
If you’ve been wondering, “Can I put my contacts in water?” The short answer is, absolutely not.
All kinds of water including tap water, bottled water, and even distilled water contain microscopic organisms and bacteria that can cling to your lenses. These organisms can cause infections when placed directly on your eye.
People sometimes catch severe conditions like Acanthamoeba keratitis, a painful condition that can lead to vision loss.
Even swimming or showering while wearing contacts exposes your eyes to harmful bacteria. If you’re going for a dip, wear swim goggles or remove your lenses beforehand.
Rule of thumb: The only liquid your contacts should ever touch is sterile contact lens solution.
Why Proper Contact Lens Care Matters
Your eyes are among the most delicate organs in your body. Contact lenses rest directly on your cornea, which is highly sensitive and vulnerable to infection. Without proper hygiene, bacteria and debris can build up, causing:
- Redness and irritation
- Dryness and discomfort
- Blurry or cloudy vision
- Corneal scratches or ulcers
Good contact lens care is the key to avoiding these problems. It’s not about complicated steps – it’s about forming simple, consistent habits.
How to Take Care of Contacts: The Basics
Your eyes are delicate, and they need tender care. The same goes for all their wearables. As we’re discussing contact lenses, here’s a straightforward routine you can follow every day:
1. Wash Your Hands and Dry them First
Before touching your lenses, always wash your hands well. Dry them with a lint-free towel to prevent transferring fibers to your eyes.
2. Use Fresh Solution Every Time
Never reuse old solutions. Dump it out, rinse your case with fresh solution, and let it air dry before the next use.
3. Follow the “Rub and Rinse” Rule
Even if your solution says “no rub,” gently rub your lenses between your fingers for a few seconds before rinsing. This removes deposits and bacteria more effectively.
4. Stick to the Schedule
If your lenses are labeled for daily, biweekly, or monthly wear – replace them on time. Overwearing lenses is one of the fastest ways to irritate your eyes.
5. Keep Your Lens Case Clean
We recommend replacing your contact lens case every three months. Cases can easily harbour bacteria, but it’s one of the most overlooked steps of caring for your lenses.
Common Mistakes People Make While Wearing Contacts
Even long-time contact lens users sometimes behave strangely and exhibit habits that are harmful to their eye health. Reportedly, here are some of the most common mistakes and why you should avoid them:
- Sleeping in your lenses (unless approved): Some lenses are FDA-approved for overnight wear, but most are not. Sleeping in them reduces oxygen supply to your eyes and raises infection risk.
- Topping off old solution: Always use fresh solution; never “add a little more” to the old liquid.
- Wearing expired lenses: Just because they “feel fine” doesn’t mean they’re safe. Expired lenses can trap debris and bacteria.
- Skipping eye exams: Even if your lenses feel comfortable, yearly exams are essential to check for early signs of eye problems.
Contact Lens Care for Different Lifestyles
Everyone’s routine looks different, and so does lens care. Here’s how to adapt based on your lifestyle:
- If you are a swimmer or athlete by profession, consider daily disposables to reduce infection risks, or use protective goggles when in water.
- Keep a small travel kit with extra solution and a case in your bag if you are a busy professional. That way, you won’t be tempted to cut corners.
- If you have allergies, then you should opt for daily disposables. They are often the most comfortable option, since they don’t accumulate pollen or dust over time.
Signs You Might Need to Rethink Your Contact Lens Routine
Even if you’re careful, your eyes will let you know if something’s wrong. Watch out for these red flags:
- Persistent dryness, itching, or burning
- Sudden changes in vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Red or swollen eyes
If you notice any of these symptoms, remove your lenses and call your eye doctor right away. Never try to “push through” the discomfort – it could make things worse.
When to Replace Your Contacts or Your Glasses
Contact lenses and glasses often go hand in hand. Even if you wear lenses most of the time, you’ll need a backup pair of glasses. Why? Because sometimes your eyes need a break, especially if you’re sick, experiencing dryness, or just want a screen-free evening.
It’s a good idea to update your glasses prescription at least every 1–2 years, or sooner if you notice vision changes. For contacts, stick to the replacement schedule your doctor recommends.
The Bottom Line: Healthy Habits, Healthy Eyes
We live in times where we have endless choices available that can make our lives more convenient. Consequently, your contact lenses can be a safer and more comfortable alternative to glasses.
Taking proper care will ensure high levels of satisfying and lasting results. Specialists advise keeping your contacts away from water and shortcuts. You must also not skip regular eye check-ups.
If you’re still asking yourself, “Can I put my contacts in water?,” the answer is always no. The only way to go is a fresh, sterile solution.
So, why wait? Form these good habits and sleep with regular eye exams to ensure clear vision and long-term eye health without the risks.
Experience Clearer Sight with Trusted Experts
At Vision Source Rio and Vision Source Heights, we specialize in helping patients just like you enjoy safe, comfortable contact lens wear. From fittings to follow-ups, our doctors make sure your eyes stay healthy and your lenses feel great.
Ready to schedule your eye exam or contact lens consultation? Call us today or book online to get started. Your vision deserves nothing less than expert care.