How to Avoid Eye Infections from Contact Lenses: Expert Tips from Optometrists
- posted: Nov. 20, 2025
At Wichita Optometry, P.A. in Wichita, KS, many patients come in with eye irritation or discomfort caused by mistakes in contact lens care. While contact lenses offer clear vision and convenience, they also require consistent hygiene to avoid infections. Understanding how to protect your eyes each day helps you enjoy safe, comfortable wear and reduces your risk of problems that may require care from an optometrist near you.
Start with a Proper Contact Lens Exam
Good habits begin with a comprehensive evaluation. By getting a contact lens exam near you, you can ensure your lenses fit correctly and match your prescription needs. Poorly fitted lenses can trap bacteria or cause tiny abrasions on the eye’s surface, increasing the risk of infection. During an eye exam, your optometrist checks the health of your cornea, tear film, and eyelids so you can wear contacts without discomfort.
Wash and Dry Your Hands Every Time
Skipping handwashing is one of the most common causes of eye infections in contact lens users. Before touching your lenses or your eyes, wash your hands with soap and water and dry them thoroughly. Even small amounts of dirt, lotion, or bacteria can transfer to the lens surface. Keeping your hands clean protects your eyes from irritation and harmful pathogens.
Clean and Store Lenses Properly
Proper cleaning helps prevent protein buildup, bacteria, and debris from accumulating on your lenses. Always follow your optometrist’s recommended cleaning solution and storage routine. Never use tap water to rinse or store lenses, as it may contain microorganisms that can cause severe infections. Fresh solution should be used each day, and cases should be replaced regularly.
Avoid Sleeping in Contact Lenses
Overnight contact wear limits the amount of oxygen reaching your eyes. Reduced oxygen and trapped bacteria create an ideal environment for infection. Unless your optometrist specifically prescribes extended-wear lenses, remove them before bed. Giving your eyes a break each night supports long-term comfort and helps prevent avoidable complications.
Don’t Swim or Shower with Lenses
Water from pools, lakes, and even showers can introduce harmful organisms, such as Acanthamoeba, which can cause serious eye infections. To stay safe, remove your lenses before swimming or showering. If you accidentally expose them to water, dispose of the lenses immediately or clean them according to your optometrist’s instructions.
When to See an Optometrist Near You
Any eye redness, pain, light sensitivity, or sudden vision changes should be evaluated promptly by an optometrist near you. Early treatment prevents infections from progressing and protects your long-term eye health. At Wichita Optometry, P.A., our team helps patients in Wichita and Mulvane, KS manage contact lens issues and choose safe, comfortable lens options.
Protect Your Eyes with Expert Contact Lens Care
Healthy habits make all the difference in preventing contact lens-related infections. If you need guidance on proper care or want to schedule a contact lens exam near you in Wichita, KS, call Wichita Optometry, P.A. at (316) 942-7496. Let our experienced optometrists help you enjoy clear vision and comfortable contact lens wear with confidence.
- posted: Nov. 20, 2025
At Wichita Optometry, P.A. in Wichita, KS, many patients come in with eye irritation or discomfort caused by mistakes in contact lens care. While contact lenses offer clear vision and convenience, they also require consistent hygiene to avoid infections. Understanding how to protect your eyes each day helps you enjoy safe, comfortable wear and reduces your risk of problems that may require care from an optometrist near you.
Start with a Proper Contact Lens Exam
Good habits begin with a comprehensive evaluation. By getting a contact lens exam near you, you can ensure your lenses fit correctly and match your prescription needs. Poorly fitted lenses can trap bacteria or cause tiny abrasions on the eye’s surface, increasing the risk of infection. During an eye exam, your optometrist checks the health of your cornea, tear film, and eyelids so you can wear contacts without discomfort.
Wash and Dry Your Hands Every Time
Skipping handwashing is one of the most common causes of eye infections in contact lens users. Before touching your lenses or your eyes, wash your hands with soap and water and dry them thoroughly. Even small amounts of dirt, lotion, or bacteria can transfer to the lens surface. Keeping your hands clean protects your eyes from irritation and harmful pathogens.
Clean and Store Lenses Properly
Proper cleaning helps prevent protein buildup, bacteria, and debris from accumulating on your lenses. Always follow your optometrist’s recommended cleaning solution and storage routine. Never use tap water to rinse or store lenses, as it may contain microorganisms that can cause severe infections. Fresh solution should be used each day, and cases should be replaced regularly.
Avoid Sleeping in Contact Lenses
Overnight contact wear limits the amount of oxygen reaching your eyes. Reduced oxygen and trapped bacteria create an ideal environment for infection. Unless your optometrist specifically prescribes extended-wear lenses, remove them before bed. Giving your eyes a break each night supports long-term comfort and helps prevent avoidable complications.
Don’t Swim or Shower with Lenses
Water from pools, lakes, and even showers can introduce harmful organisms, such as Acanthamoeba, which can cause serious eye infections. To stay safe, remove your lenses before swimming or showering. If you accidentally expose them to water, dispose of the lenses immediately or clean them according to your optometrist’s instructions.
When to See an Optometrist Near You
Any eye redness, pain, light sensitivity, or sudden vision changes should be evaluated promptly by an optometrist near you. Early treatment prevents infections from progressing and protects your long-term eye health. At Wichita Optometry, P.A., our team helps patients in Wichita and Mulvane, KS manage contact lens issues and choose safe, comfortable lens options.
Protect Your Eyes with Expert Contact Lens Care
Healthy habits make all the difference in preventing contact lens-related infections. If you need guidance on proper care or want to schedule a contact lens exam near you in Wichita, KS, call Wichita Optometry, P.A. at (316) 942-7496. Let our experienced optometrists help you enjoy clear vision and comfortable contact lens wear with confidence.