Learn to take great care of your contact lenses

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Keep your lenses clean and help your eyes stay healthy

It's not hard to take care of your contact lenses, but it does take practice. Establishing a good routine for cleaning and disinfecting is the best way to keep your eyes happy and healthy with reusable contacts.

How to clean your contact lenses and lens case

Follow along to learn how to best care for your reusable contacts.

Four steps to follow for daily lens case hygiene

  1. Empty: Always start by tossing the old solution. Never re-use or "top-off" the solution.

  2. Rinse: Use fresh contact lens solution. Never use tap water.

  3. Air-Dry: Leave the case upside down on a clean towel or tissue.

  4. Replace: Get a new contact lens case on a regular basis—at least every 3 months.

Contact lens dos and don'ts

Get some quick tips on contact lens wear in this video, also included in the list below.

Contact lens dos and don'ts

Do

  • Wash your hands before touching your contacts.
  • Put contact lenses on first, before makeup.
  • Remove your contacts and call your eye doctor if you experience redness, changes in vision or discharge.
  • Establish a routine: Replace lenses on the same day of the week, remove lenses from in the same order, etc.

Don't

  • Use tap water to clean your lenses or lens case.
  • Wait to clean your contacts after you take them out.
  • Wear your contacts longer than the recommended replacement schedule your doctor gave you.
  • Sleep in your contacts.
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FAQs

Frequently asked questions

How can you stop contact lenses from drying out?

Try rewetting eye drops for contact lenses to lubricate your contacts throughout the day. Make sure to choose drops that are designed for your type of contact lens. Avoid wearing contacts for longer than their recommended wearing time, and blink regularly to spread fresh tears across the lens surface. Using a high-quality multipurpose lens solution and following the proper cleaning routine for the lenses and the case can also help prevent them from drying out quickly.

What is in contact solution?

The main components in contact solution are disinfectants, wetting solution, protein removers and preservatives. Disinfectants help keep germs out, protein removers help remove deposits from your tear film, and preservatives help keep solution safe to use. A contact lens solution is different from a saline solution, which is typically used to rinse lenses before wearing them.

Are eye infections common when wearing contact lenses? 

Eye infections from contacts can happen, but they're rare. The most common infection from wearing contact lenses is keratitis, an infection of the cornea. This can happen for many reasons, including sleeping with your contact lenses in, reusing contact lens solution to store lenses, or using the same contact lenses for too long. Following your eye doctor's instructions should lower your risk of developing an infection.

Can I use eye drops with contact lenses?

You can use eye drops with contact lenses, but you need to ensure they're formulated specifically for use with contacts, which should be clear on the packaging. Eye drops not meant for use with contacts may cause irritation or redness if they're used while wearing contacts. Always check the packaging and, if in doubt, get in touch with your eye doctor.

What causes itchy eyes?

The most common causes are indoor and outdoor allergens, such as mold, pet dander, perfume, and pollen. Allergy symptoms depend on what it is you're allergic to and may include other symptoms like redness, swelling, burning, and more. If you have persistently itchy eyes, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor, who can help you determine if treatment is needed.

Can I use contact lens solution as eye drops for dry eyes?

You shouldn't use contact solution as eye drops. Eye drops are made to ease specific eye issues like irritation and redness while contact solution is made to disinfect contact lenses so they're safe and clean to wear during their next use. For safety and the sake of your eye health, it's best to use each product only for their respective purposes.

More tips for everyday comfort

Your eyes naturally have a layer of moisture, but sometimes your lifestyle can throw this balance off. Here are a few common areas that may cause discomfort, and ways you can stay on top of things.
Beauty Routine
Black woman with natural hair inserting contact lens in bathroom mirror
  • Put on your contacts before you put on your makeup.
  • Try water-resistant makeup to prevent flaking or smudging.
  • Use hypoallergenic, oil-free makeup removers when possible
  • When you go to the salon, leave your contacts at home. Many salon chemicals like hairspray or dye can damage your contacts.
  • Don't wear makeup or put on your contacts if your eyes are swollen, red or infected.
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What usually causes eye irritation?

Almost everyone gets red eyes every now and then, but for many, it's temporary. Here are some typical causes:

  • Being tired
  • Wind
  • Dry or dusty environments
  • Allergies
  • Wearing contacts longer than recommended
  • Sensitivity to materials or solutions

Remember, you should always adhere to the replacement schedule for your contact lenses.

Mild, temporary irritated eyes are one thing, but if you're experiencing sensitivity to materials or solutions, persistent redness or irritation, pain or impaired vision, you should contact your eye doctor immediately.

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Get to know common eye ailments

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, our eyes get sick. Learn about some common eye problems and conditions, their causes, symptoms and how your doctor may treat them.

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Footnotes

Consult your eye care professional for more information. J&J does not provide medical advice; this information is for educational purposes only.

Always wash hands thoroughly before handling contact lenses.

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Important information for contact lens wearers: ACUVUE Contact Lenses are available by prescription only for vision correction. An eye care professional will determine whether contact lenses are right for you. Although rare, serious eye problems can develop while wearing contact lenses. To help avoid these problems, follow the wear and replacement schedule and the lens care instructions provided by your eye doctor. Do not wear contact lenses if you have an eye infection, or experience eye discomfort, excessive tearing, vision changes, redness or other eye problems. If one of these conditions occurs, remove the lens and contact your eye doctor immediately. For more information on proper wear, care and safety, talk to your eye care professional, call 1-800-843-2020, or download the Patient Instruction Guides.

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