Eye health resources

How contact lenses work

Q: How long can I wear contact lenses each day?

It depends on the contact lenses prescribed by your eye doctor. Most soft lenses are designed for daily wear—meaning you remove them at night. Some lenses are approved for extended (overnight) wear, but you should do this only if your eye doctor approves. Always follow your eye doctor’s recommendations.

Q: Can I wear contact lenses if I have dry eyes?

You may be able to, but it depends on your eye’s unique needs. Talk to your eye doctor about what your options are.

Q: How often should I replace my contact lenses?

It depends on the type: daily disposables are replaced every day, bi-weekly or monthly lenses are replaced accordingly, and rigid lenses last longer with proper care.

Q: Are cosmetic or colored contact lenses safe?

Like all contacts, cosmetic or colored contact lenses are medical devices, and require a prescription. Only wear cosmetic lenses prescribed by an eye doctor. Buying non-prescription lenses from unregulated sources can lead to serious infections, corneal damage, or even blindness. Always follow the handling, insertion, removal, cleaning, disinfecting, storing (if applicable) and wearing instructions in the Patient Instruction Guide for your lenses and lens care products, and those prescribed by the Eye Care Professional.

Q: Can I wear contact lenses if I have allergies?

It’s possible, but allergies can cause eye irritation making lens wear more difficult. Consult your eye doctor to find suitable lenses and proper care routines.

Q: What should I do if my contact lens feels uncomfortable?

If you wear daily disposable lenses, remove the lens immediately. If the discomfort stops when the lens is removed, discard the lens and put on a new one. If you wear reusable lenses, remove the lens immediately. If the discomfort stops when the lens is removed, and the lens doesn’t look damaged, clean and rinse it with a recommended soft contact lens care solution and put your lens back on. If the lens still feels uncomfortable, throw away the lens and use a new one.

Q: How do I know if my contact lenses fit properly?

Your eye care professional will perform a fitting during your exam, ensuring the lenses are the correct size and shape for your eyes for optimal comfort and vision correction.

Medically reviewed on September 22, 2025

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Published on January 12, 2026

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FAQs

Frequently asked questions

How long can I wear contact lenses each day?

Can I wear contact lenses if I have dry eyes?

How often should I replace my contact lenses?

Are cosmetic or colored contact lenses safe?

About colored contacts

Can I wear contact lenses if I have allergies?

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What should I do if my contact lens feels uncomfortable?

Common reasons for eye pain with contacts

How do I know if my contact lenses fit properly?

Understand contact lens fittings

How contact lenses work

Correcting blurry vision with lenses tailored to your eyes

What are contact lenses made of?

How contacts lenses stay in place

What's next?

More questions? Contact your eye doctor.

Need help with your contact lenses? We’re here to assist.

Frequently asked questions

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