Contact Lens Care 101: Do’s and Don’ts for Healthy Eyes

If you wear contact lenses, you already know how convenient they are—whether you're hiking at Thunderbird Conservation Park or catching a game at State Farm Stadium. But with great convenience comes great responsibility. Proper contact lens care isn’t just about keeping your vision crisp; it’s essential for protecting your eye health.

At Arrowhead Optometry, we’ve seen firsthand what happens when contact lens care is overlooked—dry eyes, infections, and even corneal damage. The good news is that a few simple habits can keep your lenses and your eyes in top shape.

The Do’s of Contact Lens Care

Wash your hands first. Before handling your lenses, always wash your hands with soap and water and dry them with a lint-free towel. Even in Arizona’s dry climate, bacteria can thrive on unwashed hands, leading to infections.

Follow the replacement schedule. If your lenses are meant to be replaced daily, weekly, or monthly—stick to the plan. Overwearing lenses beyond their recommended time can cause discomfort and increase the risk of eye infections.

Always store your lenses properly. If you wear reusable lenses, store them in fresh contact lens solution rather than water and replace the case every three months. Glendale’s warm weather can be a breeding ground for bacteria, so proper storage is key.

The Don’ts of Contact Lens Care

Do not sleep in your lenses. Unless you have lenses specifically designed for extended wear, sleeping in contacts reduces oxygen flow to your eyes, increasing the risk of infections like keratitis.

Do not use tap water or saliva. Never rinse or store your lenses in tap water, and definitely do not use saliva. Water contains bacteria and parasites that can lead to serious eye infections, including Acanthamoeba keratitis—a condition that is more common in warmer climates like ours.

Do not reuse or top off old solution. Always use fresh disinfecting solution when storing your lenses. Reusing old solution reduces its effectiveness and increases contamination risks.

Do not rub your eyes. Arizona’s dry air can make your eyes feel irritated, but rubbing them while wearing contacts can scratch your cornea and introduce bacteria. Instead, use rewetting drops that are approved for contact lenses.

Do not ignore discomfort. If your lenses feel dry, scratchy, or painful, take them out and inspect them. If discomfort continues, give us a call—ignoring symptoms can lead to bigger problems.

Why Regular Contact Lens Exams Are Essential

Regular contact lens exams are essential for maintaining eye health and ensuring your lenses continue to provide clear, comfortable vision. Unlike a standard eye exam, a contact lens evaluation assesses not just your prescription but also the fit of your lenses, the health of your cornea, and how your eyes are responding to lens wear.

Over time, changes in your eye shape, tear production, or overall eye health can affect how well your contacts perform. Without proper monitoring, ill-fitting or outdated lenses can lead to irritation, dryness, infections, or even long-term corneal damage.

Additionally, a contact lens exam allows your optometrist to recommend new lens materials or technologies that may improve comfort, especially in Glendale’s dry climate. By scheduling regular contact lens exams, you can protect your vision and keep your eyes feeling their best.

Keep Your Eyes Healthy at Arrowhead Optometry

Contact lenses are a great way to see the world clearly, but proper care is essential. Following these do’s and don’ts will help keep your eyes healthy and your vision sharp.

If it has been a while since your last contact lens exam, or if you are experiencing any discomfort, schedule an appointment with Arrowhead Optometry. Visit our office in Glendale, Arizona, or call (623) 263-8147 today.