Contact Lens Care Mistakes You Might Be Making

Contact lenses are a safe and convenient way to correct vision, when they’re used properly. But even experienced wearers can fall into bad habits that increase the risk of discomfort or infection. Most of the time this damage is reversible, but in certain cases it can result in permanent vision loss or blindness. Here are some of the most common contact lens care mistakes (and how to fix them).

1. Sleeping in Your Contact Lenses

Unless your lenses are specifically approved for overnight wear, sleeping in contacts is one of the biggest risks you can take with your eyes. Wearing lenses overnight reduces oxygen to the cornea and increases your risk of infection, inflammation, and even corneal ulcers. It’s the number one cause of contact lens related eye issues. We always recommend you take your contact lenses out at night, even if they are “approved” to sleep in.
👉 Fix it: Always remove your lenses before bed and store them in fresh solution or dispose of them if they are dailies.

2. “Topping Off” Your Contact Lens Solution

Refilling your case instead of dumping out old solution lets bacteria and debris build up over time. This can lead to serious eye infections.
👉 Fix it: Always empty your case completely, rinse it with fresh solution, and let it air dry before refilling.

3. Wearing Lenses Longer Than Recommended

Even if your lenses feel fine, wearing them past their replacement schedule (whether daily, biweekly, or monthly) can cause dryness, irritation, and buildup of deposits. They will also become less breathable over time the longer you wear them.
👉 Fix it: Stick to the replacement schedule recommended by your optometrist, not your comfort level.

4. Using Tap Water to Rinse Lenses or Cases

Tap water contains microorganisms that can cause dangerous eye infections, including Acanthamoeba keratitis, which can lead to permanent vision loss.
👉 Fix it: Only use sterile contact lens solution, never water or saliva.

5. Skipping Regular Eye Exams

Even if your contacts seem comfortable, your eye health can change over time. Poor-fitting lenses, oxygen deprivation, or unnoticed dryness can cause long-term damage if unchecked. Your optometrist can easily spot these early changes happening to the eye and make recommendations for better habits or better lenses to promote eye health. 
👉 Fix it: Schedule a contact lens exam once a year to ensure your lenses are the best fit and material for your eyes.

6. Ignoring Lens Case Hygiene

Your contact lens case should be replaced regularly. Old cases are a breeding ground for bacteria.
👉 Fix it: Replace your case every 3 months and keep it clean and dry.

Healthy Habits for Comfortable Vision

Good contact lens hygiene helps you enjoy clear, comfortable vision, and protects your eyes for years to come.
 

👉 Schedule your annual contact lens exam at Paramount Eye Care & Eyewear in Lucas / Allen TX today to make sure your eyes are healthy and your lenses are the perfect fit.