Contact lenses can be a game changer — giving you clear vision without the hassle of glasses. But if they’re not cared for properly, they can also cause dryness, irritation, or even infections. At Saline Optometry and Chelsea Eyeglass Co, we want your lenses to feel as good as they look. Here are our top five tips for keeping your contact lens experience comfortable and healthy.

1. Wash Your Hands First, Every Time

It sounds simple, but clean hands are your first defense against eye irritation and infection. Wash thoroughly with soap and water before handling your lenses, and dry with a lint-free towel so no tiny fibers end up in your eye.

2. Stick to Your Wear Schedule

Overwearing contacts — even by a few hours — can reduce oxygen flow to your cornea, leading to redness and discomfort. Follow the schedule your optometrist recommends, whether it’s daily disposables, bi-weekly, or monthly lenses.

3. Keep Them Clean (or Fresh)

If you wear reusable lenses, clean them with fresh contact lens solution after every use. Never “top off” old solution in your case, and avoid rinsing lenses with tap water. It can contain microorganisms that don’t belong anywhere near your eyes.

4. Give Your Eyes a Break

Even the most comfortable contacts can cause dryness after long stretches. Try the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. And don’t be afraid to wear your glasses some days to let your eyes rest.

5. Stay on Top of Your Eye Exams

Your vision and eye health can change over time, and an annual exam ensures your prescription is current and your lenses still fit properly. This also gives our optometrists a chance to check for early signs of eye problems before they cause discomfort.

Call Our Optometrists near You for More Advice on Contact Lenses

The bottom line is comfortable contact lens wear comes down to good habits and regular check-ins with your eye doctor.

Call Saline Optometry or Chelsea Eyeglass Co in Saline, MI, and Chelsea, MI, today to schedule your next exam and make sure your lenses are working as well as they should for you.