How to clean and care for your contact lenses | ACUVUE®

Question 1

How can you stop contact lenses from drying out?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

What is in contact solution?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

Are eye infections common when wearing contact lenses?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

Can I use eye drops with contact lenses?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

What causes itchy eyes?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

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 its respective purpose.

Learn to take great care of your contact lenses

Four steps to follow for daily lens case hygiene

Contact lens dos and don'ts

Need some one-on-one help?

Get instant answers

Email us your question

More tips for everyday comfort

What usually causes eye irritation?

Get to know common eye ailments

Frequently asked questions

Get started with ACUVUE^® Contact Lenses

Try ACUVUE for free^*

Find an eye doctor

Earn rewards^‖

Footnotes