Eyeglasses have long been the go-to for vision correction, but contact lenses offer a convenient alternative, especially for those with strong prescriptions or active lifestyles. Whether you’re playing sports, working a physical job or simply prefer not to wear glasses, contacts provide clarity and freedom. However, they come with responsibilities.
Dr. Ann Ostrovsky
At ECU Health Ophthalmology, in the past year we have seen over 50 cases of severe eye infections from contact lens wear. We also studied asymptomatic contact lens wearers and found that more than 60 percent had corneal scars, evidence of past infections that healed silently.
Improper contact lens hygiene can lead to serious infections and even permanent vision loss. Fortunately, most of these issues are preventable with proper care. One of the biggest risks? Sleeping in contacts. No matter the type – daily, extended wear, or “day and night” – contacts should never be worn while sleeping. Closed eyes reduce oxygen flow to the cornea, and adding a lens can suffocate the eye, creating a breeding ground for infection. Even normally harmless skin bacteria can become dangerous.
Water exposure is another hazard. Swimming or showering with lenses can introduce harmful microorganisms like acanthamoeba, a parasite that can cause severe infections and blindness. If you forget to remove your lenses before these activities, discard them immediately afterward.
If your lens feels uncomfortable or your eye becomes red, painful, sensitive to light or blurry, take the lens out and switch to glasses. Monitor symptoms closely and consult your eye doctor if they persist.
Contact lens options include daily, biweekly, and monthly varieties. Daily lenses are ideal because they eliminate the need for cleaning and storing, reducing infection risk. For reusable lenses, hygiene is critical: wash hands with soap and water before handling lenses and dry them thoroughly. Use only sterile contact lens solution; never use tap water. Clean lenses by placing them on your palm, applying rewetting solution, and gently rubbing. Always discard old solution, wash and dry the case, and refill with fresh solution, never “top-off” solution by adding new solution to old. Use enzyme cleaners weekly for monthly lenses to reduce buildup and replace your lens case every few months to avoid bacterial or fungal growth in microscopic grooves of the plastic.
Stick to the recommended lens replacement schedule. Daily lenses must be discarded after one use, and biweekly or monthly lenses should be replaced exactly as directed. Extending their use, even if your eyes feel fine, is risky.
Since moving from New York City to Greenville, North Carolina, I’ve helped launch ECU Health’s ophthalmology practice. Our team treats everything from cataracts and glaucoma to diabetic eye disease and serious eye trauma and infections. But one message I want to emphasize: regular eye checkups aren’t just about seeing clearly. They’re about protecting your health.
So please, care for your contact lenses properly. Don’t sleep in them. Don’t shower or swim with them. Replace them on schedule. And if something feels off, don’t wait. Most of these infections are preventable, so I’d much rather share a coffee with you than see you in my office.