Your Contact Lens Questions, Answered by Our Optometrists
Contacts are so easy to live with that it's tempting to bend the rules: one more day out of a daily pair, a quick rinse under the tap, a shower you didn't take them out for. If you're one of the millions of people who wear contact lenses, you've probably cut a corner or two. But those small habits matter more than you might think. We asked our MyEyeDr. optometrists to answer the contact lens questions they hear most often in the exam chair, from whether contacts really expire to why the same pair can feel fine one day and scratchy the next. Here's what they want you to know.
Quick answers from our optometrists
- Daily contacts are for one day only, and you should never sleep in them.
- Contacts expire, even in an unopened box.
- Never shower, swim or rinse your lenses in water while wearing or cleaning them.
- Discomfort usually comes from dry eyes, allergies, screen time or an overdue replacement.
- A poor fit can cause redness, blurry vision or lenses that fall out.
Can I wear daily contact lenses for more than one day?
No. Daily disposable contact lenses are designed to stay clean, safe and oxygen-permeable for a single day. Wearing them longer increases your risk of corneal infections, corneal damage and, in severe cases, permanent vision loss.
Dailies are made to be thrown away, not cleaned and reused. The longer you wear a pair, the more lipids, proteins and bacteria build up on the lens. Sleeping in them raises the risk of infection even further, so never do it. Our optometrists' rule is simple: one pair per day, worn for no more than 16 hours.
Do contact lenses expire?
Yes. Contact lenses expire even when the box hasn't been opened. The expiration date on the package tells you how long the lenses stay sterile, stable and safe to wear.
You shouldn't wear contacts after they expire. Old lens material can break down, which makes lenses less comfortable and increases the risk of irritation and infection. Think of it like food: if it's past its date, don't use it. If your contacts have expired, you can order new ones from MyEyeDr. online or in store.
Can I shower with my contacts in?
No. Shower water can contain bacteria and microorganisms that get trapped under your lenses and cause serious eye infections.
One of these is acanthamoeba keratitis, a rare but very painful infection linked to water exposure while wearing contacts. The same goes for swimming pools, hot tubs and lakes. Take your lenses out before any of them. If your eyes feel painful, red or irritated after getting water in them with contacts in, book an appointment at your local MyEyeDr.
Can I rinse my contacts with tap water?
No. Tap water isn't sterile and can contain bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms that cause serious eye infections.
Tap water can also make soft lenses swell and stick to your eye, which can blur your vision and damage your cornea. To keep your lenses clean and safe:
- Always clean and store lenses in fresh contact lens solution, never water.
- Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes or lenses.
- Replace your lens case every three months, just like a toothbrush.
Why do my contacts feel fine some days and uncomfortable on others?
Contact lenses sit on the surface of your eye, so how they feel depends on your eyes and your surroundings that day. Often, the lenses aren't the problem.
Your eyes need a healthy tear film to stay comfortable. If you have dry eyes, contacts can make it worse.
Seasonal and environmental allergies can also leave your eyes gritty, itchy or irritated, and contacts hold those allergens close to the eye's surface. Our optometrists recommend:
- Using preservative-free artificial tears that are safe for contact lenses.
- Taking regular breaks from screens.
- Replacing your lenses on schedule.
- Asking your optometrist about daily disposables if dryness or allergies keep bothering you.
Can a contact lens fit too tight or too loose?
Yes, which is why a contact lens fitting is part of your exam. Contacts come in different shapes and sizes, and the right fit depends on the curve of your eye.
Too tight: A tight lens limits how much oxygen reaches your eye. It can cause redness, be hard to remove and even leave a mark on your eye after you take it out.
Too loose: A loose lens doesn't follow the curve of your eye, so it moves around. Some lenses, such as those for astigmatism, also need to sit in a set position. A loose fit can cause blurry vision or make the lens fall out.
Have more contact lens questions?
Your eyes are unique, and so are your contact lens needs. Whether you're new to contacts or have worn them for years, our optometrists can help you find the right lenses and keep your eyes healthy. Schedule a contact lens exam at a MyEyeDr. near you.