Water can make your contacts swell or warp, causing them to stick to your eyes and scratch your cornea. This makes it easier for bacteria to enter your eye. [2] X Research source
Alternate between 2 pairs of lenses or between lenses and glasses so you can see while the water-exposed pair disinfects. If you don’t have goggles, do your best to avoid getting splashed in the face and eyes while you’re in the pool or tub. [5] X Trustworthy Source American Optometric Association Professional medical organization dedicated to supporting optometrists and improving public eye and vision health Go to source Any amount of water in your eyes can transfer bacteria to your contact lenses, even if it’s just a quick shower or splash to the face.
Consider LASIK if contacts or glasses are a nuisance. Consult a reputable center that checks your general eye health in addition to LASIK eligibility. Alternatively, switch to daily contact lenses and continue wearing goggles. Throw away the potentially infected lenses after your swimming session. [7] X Research source
Remember, it’s way less inconvenient to throw out a good pair of lenses and buy more solution than it is to deal with an eye infection.
Saline for contacts is not the same as contact solution. Contact solution cleans and disinfects while saline is just pH-balanced saltwater used for rinsing. Non-contact lens saline is not as gentle on your eyes and may cause discomfort. Use this as a last resort if you cannot throw out your lenses. Avoid using homemade saline solution to store or rinse your contact lenses. The risk of infection is too great. [9] X Trustworthy Source American Optometric Association Professional medical organization dedicated to supporting optometrists and improving public eye and vision health Go to source
Dirty hands are an easy way to transfer bacteria to your eyes, even if they’re not wet with tap water.
After the case is clean, fill each well with solution. Always use fresh solution instead of “topping off” old solution to avoid bacteria buildup in your case. Whenever you get a new bottle of solution, throw away your old case and get a new one (most bottles of solution come with an included case).
Repeat in your other eye. Use saline or moistening eye drops. Both will lubricate your contact lens and make it easier to remove.
Look straight ahead into a mirror or look slightly upward—whichever feels easier. Try to grab the lower half or lower third of the lens. The lens will bend and pull away from your eye a bit easier than if you grab at the exact middle. Start with the same eye each time you remove your lenses to avoid mixing them up (it doesn’t matter which you do first as long as you’re consistent).
Alternatively, squirt some solution into the palm of your hand and rub both sides of the lens in it with your pointer finger. Soaking your contacts overnight without rubbing them first is not as effective for disinfecting and can shorten the life of your lenses.
Do not store your lenses in anything besides a designated contact lens case with contact solution.
Most solution brands recommend soaking your lenses for at least 4-8 hours before putting them back in. Check the instructions on your bottle for specifics.
