May is Healthy Vision Month, which makes it a good time to review the small eye care habits that shape your day-to-day comfort. For contact lens wearers, this month is also a reminder that clean handling, proper storage, and regular eye exams all work together. The National Eye Institute encourages regular eye exams, UV protection, eye safety, and healthy lifestyle choices as part of long-term vision care. Contact lenses are safe for many wearers when used correctly, but poor habits can raise the risk of irritation or infection.
This checklist can help you spot habits that need a reset. It covers your prescription, cleaning routine, lens case, replacement schedule, and warning signs to watch for. You do not need to overhaul everything at once. Start with the habits that affect your eyes every day, then work through the rest of the list.
Why Healthy Vision Month Is A Good Time To Review Your Routine
Contact lens wear can become automatic, especially if you have worn contacts for years. You might wash your hands, open your case, put your lenses in, and move on without thinking much about each step. Healthy Vision Month gives you a clear reason to pause and check whether those steps still match current eye care guidance. It is also a good time to schedule an eye exam if you are overdue or if your eyes have felt dry, tired, or irritated lately.
Small habits can make a big difference with contact lenses. The CDC recommends washing hands, using recommended contact lens solution, avoiding old solution, keeping lenses away from water, and replacing the case at least every three months. These steps are simple, but they are easy to skip during busy mornings or late nights. A monthly reset can help you catch those shortcuts before they become part of your routine.
Contact Lens Care Habits And How Often To Check Them
Healthy Vision Month is a good time to look at the contact lens habits you follow every day, every week, and every few months. Some steps need daily attention, while others only need an occasional check to keep your routine on track. Use the table below to see what to review, how often to review it, and what action to take.
| Habit | Category | How Often to Check | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Confirm your prescription is current | Prescription | Every 1–2 Years | Schedule an eye exam if it has been over a year or your vision has changed.Wearing an expired prescription can cause eye strain and blurred vision. |
| Verify you are wearing the correct lens type | Prescription | Monthly | Check that your lenses match what your eye doctor prescribed (e.g., daily vs. monthly). |
| Wash hands before handling lenses | Hygiene | Every Use | Use soap and water, then dry with a clean, lint-free towel.One of the most effective steps for preventing eye infections. |
| Avoid touching lenses with dirty or wet hands | Hygiene | Every Use | Water from taps, pools, and showers can carry microorganisms that harm your eyes. |
| Use only recommended contact lens solution | Cleaning | Daily | Never substitute with tap water, saliva, or saline alone.The CDC recommends using the solution type specified by your eye doctor. |
| Rub and rinse lenses before storing | Cleaning | Daily | Even with “no-rub” solutions, gently rubbing lenses removes deposits more effectively. |
| Discard old or expired solution | Cleaning | Daily | Never top off used solution — empty the case and refill with fresh solution each time. |
| Clean and air-dry your lens case | Lens Case | Daily | Rinse with fresh solution (not water), wipe with a clean tissue, and leave face-down to dry. |
| Replace your lens case | Lens Case | Every 3 Months | The CDC recommends replacing cases at least every three months, or sooner if damaged.Old cases are a common source of lens contamination. |
| Follow your lens replacement schedule | Replacement | As Prescribed | Daily lenses should be discarded after one use; monthly lenses after 30 days of wear. |
| Avoid sleeping in lenses not approved for overnight wear | Replacement | Every Night | Sleeping in standard contact lenses significantly increases the risk of eye infections. |
| Wear UV-protective eyewear outdoors | Prescription | As Needed | The National Eye Institute recommends UV protection as part of long-term vision care. Contact lenses with UV blocking are not a substitute for sunglasses. |
| Watch for redness, irritation, or blurred vision | Warning Signs | Daily | Remove lenses and contact your eye doctor if you notice unusual discomfort, discharge, or light sensitivity. |
| Schedule an eye exam if eyes feel dry or tired | Warning Signs | As Needed | Persistent dryness or eye fatigue may mean your lenses or prescription need adjustment.Healthy Vision Month is a good prompt to book an overdue exam. |
Your Healthy Vision Month Checklist For Contact Lens Wearers
Use this checklist as a quick eye care reset. It works well near your bathroom mirror, contact lens drawer, or nightstand. You can also save it as a note on your phone if you reorder lenses online. The goal is to make safer contact lens habits easier to remember during regular routines.
- Schedule an annual eye exam if you have not had one in the past year.
- Check that your contact lens prescription is still current.
- Match your next order to the exact lens name, power, base curve, and diameter on your prescription.
- Wash and dry your hands before touching your lenses.
- Use fresh contact lens solution every time you clean or store reusable lenses.
- Rub and rinse reusable lenses when directed by your eye care provider or solution instructions.
- Empty old solution from your case instead of adding new solution on top of it.
- Clean your lens case with contact lens solution, not water.
- Let your lens case air-dry upside down with the caps off.
- Replace your lens case at least every three months.
- Remove contacts before showering, swimming, or using a hot tub.
- Throw away daily disposable lenses after one use.
- Replace bi-weekly or monthly lenses on schedule.
- Do not sleep in contacts unless your eye doctor has prescribed them for overnight wear.
- Keep backup glasses ready at home, at work, or when traveling.
- Remove your lenses and call your eye doctor if you notice redness, pain, unusual discharge, or sudden vision changes.
Check Your Prescription Before Reordering Contacts
A contact lens prescription includes more than vision power. It can also list the lens name, base curve, diameter, wearing schedule, and other details needed for a proper fit. Reordering from an old box can lead to the wrong product if your prescription has changed. Your eye doctor can also check whether your current lenses still match your comfort needs and eye health.
This step is especially useful if you have noticed more dryness, blurry vision, or end-of-day discomfort. Your eyes can change over time, and your contact lens needs can change with them. A current prescription helps you avoid buying lenses that no longer fit your routine. It also gives you a chance to ask about daily disposables, multifocal contacts, toric lenses, or other options if your needs have shifted.
Clean And Store Your Contacts The Right Way
Reusable contact lenses need proper cleaning every time you remove them. The CDC recommends using the recommended contact lens solution, rubbing and rinsing lenses with disinfecting solution, and avoiding any mix of fresh and old solution in the case. Water should not be used to rinse, clean, or store lenses because it can expose your eyes to harmful germs. These steps help reduce the chance of germs staying on your lenses or inside your case.
Your lens case deserves the same attention as your lenses. After each use, empty the case, rub and rinse it with fresh solution, and let it air-dry. Keep the caps off while it dries so moisture does not sit inside the wells. Replace the case at least every three months, or sooner if it looks cracked, cloudy, or dirty.
Keep Contacts Away From Water
Water and contact lenses do not mix. Shower water, pool water, hot tub water, lakes, and tap water can expose your lenses to germs that are unsafe for your eyes. The CDC recommends removing contacts before swimming or showering to reduce germ exposure. This habit is easy to overlook, but it is one of the most useful changes contact lens wearers can make.
If you swim or spend time around water, plan ahead with glasses or prescription swim goggles. Do not rinse lenses or a lens case with tap water, even if the case looks clean. If water touches your lenses, ask your eye care provider what to do next, especially if your eyes feel painful or irritated. When in doubt, remove the lenses and switch to glasses.
Follow Your Contact Lens Replacement Schedule
Every contact lens has a replacement schedule for a reason. Daily disposable lenses are worn once and thrown away, while bi-weekly and monthly lenses are cleaned, stored, and replaced on a set schedule. Wearing lenses longer than directed can lead to buildup, dryness, and discomfort. It can also make your lenses feel less fresh by the end of the day.
A simple tracking habit can help. Mark the date when you open a new pair of reusable lenses, or set a phone reminder for your next replacement day. Keep unopened boxes organized so you do not accidentally mix old and new lenses. If you often lose track, daily disposable lenses might be easier to manage.
Know When To Remove Your Contacts
Contact lenses should feel comfortable most of the time. If your eyes feel painful, red, unusually watery, sensitive to light, or blurry, remove your lenses right away. Discharge, swelling, or discomfort that does not improve can point to a problem that needs professional care. The CDC advises contacting an eye care provider if you have eye pain, discomfort, redness, or blurred vision while wearing contacts.
Do not try to push through symptoms just to finish the day in contacts. Switch to glasses and avoid putting the lenses back in until you know what caused the issue. Bring your lenses, case, and solution to the appointment if your eye doctor asks for them. That can help them review your routine and check for possible sources of irritation.
Give Your Eyes A Backup Plan
Backup glasses are not just for emergencies. They give your eyes a break when contacts feel dry, when allergies flare, or when you need to remove a lens unexpectedly. They are also helpful during travel, illness, late nights, or days when your lens tears. The CDC recommends carrying backup glasses with a current prescription.
Healthy Vision Month is a good time to check if your glasses still work for you. Make sure the prescription feels clear, the frame fits comfortably, and the pair is easy to find. Keep one pair somewhere practical, not buried in a drawer you never open. If your glasses are outdated, bring them up at your next eye exam.
Build Better Contact Lens Habits This Healthy Vision Month
Healthy Vision Month is a helpful reminder to check how you care for your eyes and contact lenses. For contact lens wearers, that means paying attention to clean hands, fresh solution, a current prescription, proper replacement timing, and no water exposure. These habits should not stop when May ends. A healthy contact lens routine should be something you follow all year, not just during one awareness month.
Use this checklist as a reset, then turn the best habits into part of your daily routine. If something feels off with your vision, comfort, or eye health, remove your lenses and contact your eye doctor. Contact lenses should support your day, not leave your eyes feeling irritated or strained. When it is time to restock, shop Contacts America for contact lenses that match your prescription and everyday routine.
Frequently Asked Questions About Healthy Contact Lens Habits
Yes, you can wear contact lenses only for certain parts of your routine if your eye doctor approves that plan. Some people prefer contacts for workouts, events, outdoor activities, or long days when glasses feel less convenient. You still need to follow the wearing schedule, cleaning instructions, and prescription details for your specific lenses. Contact lenses are medical devices, so safe wear still depends on proper fit and care.
Decorative contact lenses still need a valid prescription, even if they are only worn to change eye color or appearance. The FDA warns against buying contact lenses from sellers that are not authorized to dispense them. Contact lenses are fitted to your eyes, so sharing them or buying the wrong fit can raise the risk of injury or infection.
Ask your eye care professional before using eye drops, medicine, or topical eye products with contact lenses. Some products can irritate your eyes or affect how your lenses feel during wear. If your eyes feel dry, your eye doctor can recommend drops that are safe for your lens type.
Yes, cosmetics and sprays can get on your lenses and irritate your eyes. The FDA recommends applying cosmetics after inserting contact lenses and removing lenses before taking makeup off. It also recommends applying aerosol products, such as hairspray or deodorant, before putting in contacts.
Contact lenses can be useful for some activities, but certain sports or work settings still call for protective eyewear. The FDA recommends asking your eye care professional about wearing glasses or contacts during sports to lower the chance of injury. It also says some jobs require eye protection or may require workers not to wear contact lenses in certain conditions.
References
National Eye Institute. “Healthy Vision Month.” Date Accessed: May 12, 2026.
https://www.nei.nih.gov/about/education-and-outreach/healthy-vision-resources/healthy-vision-month
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Preventing Eye Infections When Wearing Contacts.” Date Accessed: May 12, 2026.
https://www.cdc.gov/contact-lenses/prevention/index.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Healthy Habits: Keeping Water Away From Contact Lenses.” Date Accessed: May 12, 2026.
https://www.cdc.gov/contact-lenses/about/healthy-habits-keeping-water-away-from-contact-lenses.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “What Causes Contact Lens-Related Eye Infections.” Date Accessed: May 12, 2026.
https://www.cdc.gov/contact-lenses/causes/index.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Corneal Infections Associated With Sleeping in Contact Lenses.” Date Accessed: May 12, 2026.
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/67/wr/mm6732a2.htm
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “Contact Lenses.” Date Accessed: May 12, 2026.
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/consumer-products/contact-lenses
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “Contact Lens Prescription.” Date Accessed: May 12, 2026.
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/contact-lenses/contact-lens-prescription
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “Everyday Eye Care.” Date Accessed: May 12, 2026.
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/contact-lenses/everyday-eye-care
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “Decorative Contact Lenses for Halloween and More.” Date Accessed: May 12, 2026.
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/contact-lenses/decorative-contact-lenses-halloween-and-more
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “Types of Contact Lenses.” Date Accessed: May 12, 2026.
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/contact-lenses/types-contact-lenses
American Academy of Ophthalmology. “How to Take Care of Contact Lenses.” Date Accessed: May 12, 2026.
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/glasses-contacts/contact-lens-care
American Academy of Ophthalmology. “Why You Should Never Sleep in Your Contact Lenses.” Date Accessed: May 12, 2026.
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/why-you-should-never-sleep-in-your-contact-lenses
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