tend to get onto the lens or under your eyelid<\/a> which can irritate your eye and make your vision look smeared.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe right way to do this is to put your contacts in first, then do your makeup. And at the end of the night, take your contacts off before using makeup remover around your eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Using Tap Water in a \u201cQuick Emergency\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s say mid-date, your lens feels dirty or flipped. You try to rinse it, and now it stings or feels gritty the moment it goes back in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When this happens, never make a quick fix with tap water (or any other type of water) because they are not sterile. This will raise your risk of serious eye infections, including Acanthamoeba keratitis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Only use approved contact lens solutions. If you can\u2019t clean the lens safely, skip it and switch to glasses for the rest of the night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTopping Off\u201d Solution in the Case<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Mixing new solution with old solution doesn\u2019t properly disinfect. Old liquid can carry germs and residue back onto the lens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just dump the old solution completely. Rinse the case with fresh solution, then refill with fresh solution before storing your lenses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wearing Lenses Longer Than You Planned<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Longer wear time can dry out the lens and irritate the eye surface. That discomfort can build fast in dry air, with screens, or late nights. This is also why we advise against \u201cstretching out\u201d your lenses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you know you\u2019re likely to be out longer than usual, plan for it. Set a discreet phone reminder and bring glasses so you can switch when your eyes start feeling tired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Napping or Sleeping in Your Contacts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n You might end up dozing off during a movie or on the ride home on your Valentine\u2019s date. Normally, it\u2019s fine. But if you have contacts on? It\u2019s not advised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sleeping in contacts (unless your eye doctor specifically prescribed it) can reduce oxygen to your eyes and raise the chance of irritation and infection. If there\u2019s any chance you\u2019ll fall asleep, take them out first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Letting Your Contacts Come Anywhere Near Water<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Again, water isn\u2019t sterile. So, when your plans involve coming into contact with water, always take them out. If your lenses got wet, the safer move is to remove them and switch to glasses. (If you wear dailies, throw that pair away.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Using the Wrong Eye Drops Or Using \u201cRedness Relief\u201d Drops to Push Through<\/h3>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s easy to assume any eye drop is fine, but not all eye drops for contacts are safe or helpful. Even using redness relief is not a good idea since it just covers up the problem instead of fixing it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stick to contact-lens-safe rewetting drops (the label will say it\u2019s safe for use with contacts). If your eyes are consistently dry, it\u2019s also worth asking your eye doctor which drops or contact lenses for dry eyes are best for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rubbing Your Eyes or Adjusting Your Lens With Unwashed Hands<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Hands pick up germs and residue fast. And if it comes in contact with your lens, it increases irritation or infection risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you need to adjust your lens, wash your hands first. If washing isn\u2019t possible at the moment, use contact-lens-safe drops, blink a few times, and wait until you can properly clean your hands to handle the lens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reusing a Contact Lens Case<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Lens cases can build up residue and germs over time, even if they look clean. If the case is contaminated, it can undo the care you\u2019re trying to do with the solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After you put your lenses in, empty the case, rinse it with fresh contact lens solution, and let it air-dry with the caps off. Replace your case regularly (a good rule is at least every three months, or sooner if it\u2019s cracked or grimy).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ignoring the Symptoms Because You Don\u2019t Want to Ruin the Night<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Some symptoms are a sign your eye needs a break or that something more serious is going on. Leaving lenses in when your eye is clearly irritated can make things worse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Give yourself permission to take the lens out and switch to glasses instead. If symptoms don\u2019t improve after removal, reach out to an eye doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Happens If Your Eyes Feel Off Mid-Date<\/h2>\n\n\n\n If your eyes are starting to feel off, use our quick rescue guide to know what to do fast and when it\u2019s time to take your lenses out.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n
Protect Your Eyes, Enjoy the Night<\/h2>\n\n\n\n Your eyes will usually let you know early when something isn\u2019t right. Pay attention to those first signs and you can fix these issues before they turn into a bigger problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Keep your routine simple, bring a backup option, and don\u2019t try to \u201ctough it out\u201d if your lenses feel uncomfortable, so you can stay comfortable and enjoy the rest of your night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Need to restock? Shop daily disposable contact lenses<\/a> and keep an extra pair ready for plans that run long.<\/p>\n\n\n\nContact Lens Care Mistakes That Ruin Valentine’s Date Night FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n \n Can you swim with contacts?\n <\/summary>\n \n No. Water can trap germs against the lens and raise your risk of infection. If you must be in water, consider prescription goggles, and remove or discard lenses afterward (especially dailies).\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n
\n \n How long can you wear contacts?\n <\/summary>\n \n It depends on your lens type and what your eye doctor prescribed. Many people can wear contacts for several hours, but comfort and safety drop when you push past your recommended time. If your eyes feel dry, irritated, or your vision changes, take them out.\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n
\n \n Does contact solution expire?\n <\/summary>\n \n Yes, it does. Check the expiration date on the bottle. Expired solution may not disinfect properly and can irritate your eyes. If it\u2019s expired (or you\u2019re not sure), don\u2019t use it\u2014open a new bottle.\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n
\n \n Can you use contact solution as eye drops?\n <\/summary>\n \n No. Contact lens solution is made to clean and store lenses, not to sit on your eye. If you need moisture, use eye drops labeled safe for contacts.\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n
\n \n How do you clean a contact lens case?\n <\/summary>\n \n After putting your lenses in, empty the case and rinse it with fresh contact lens solution (not water). Wipe with a clean tissue if needed, then leave it open to air-dry. Replace the case regularly (about every 3 months is a good rule).\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n
\n \n Do you put contacts in before or after makeup?\n <\/summary>\n \n Always before. Put contacts in first, then apply makeup to reduce the chance of getting product on the lens.\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n
\n \n What should you do if you get red eye from contacts?\n <\/summary>\n \n Take your contacts out and switch to glasses. If redness comes with pain, light sensitivity, discharge, or blurry vision that doesn\u2019t clear, contact an eye doctor. Don\u2019t put the lenses back in until your eyes feel normal again.\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n<\/div>\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.contactsamerica.com\/vision\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Mini-Care-Kit-for-Contact-Lens-1024x1024.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"If](\"https:\/\/www.contactsamerica.com\/vision\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Quick-Rescue-Guide-1024x1024.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n