Contact lenses are pretty magical, right? Crisp, clear vision without the weight of eye glasses sliding down your nose. But like all good things, they come with a bit of responsibility. Even the most seasoned contact lens wearers can slip up, and those tiny mistakes? They can lead to some not-so-pleasant eye drama – we’re talking dryness, irritation or even something a little more serious.
If you’ve made the glorious leap from eye glasses to contacts, you’re probably loving the perks (hello, peripheral vision!). But unlike eye glasses, you can’t just pop ‘em in and go. Contacts need a little TLC. The good news? Most mistakes are super easy to dodge once you know what to look for.
Whether you’re a total newbie or a contact lens connoisseur, we’ve got your back. Here’s how to keep your eyes comfortable, healthy and seeing the world crystal-clear.
Contact lens mistakes: let’s get serious
Here’s the thing — the biggest issue with contact lenses isn’t the lenses themselves. It’s us, the people who wear them. (Yeah, we said it.)
And the main culprit? Good old-fashioned human error.
But fear not – avoiding these common mistakes is easier than you think. Ready to keep your eyes happy and infection-free? We’ve rounded up the top 13 contact lens mistakes you should never, ever make.
1. You skip the hand wash
A College Of Optometrists survey found that 45% of people admit they don’t even wash their hands before popping their lenses in or taking them out. (We’ll wait while you cringe.) For something as precious as your eyesight, that’s a pretty reckless gamble. Dirty hands mean bacteria and oils hitching a ride straight into your eye, and that can lead to irritation, infection or worse.
How to avoid it
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Always wash your hands with soap and water before touching your lenses.
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Dry them thoroughly with a lint-free towel (no one likes fuzzy contacts).
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Hand sanitizer won’t cut it. Stick to the suds!
2. You ignore redness or discomfort
A little itch here, a slight blur there — no big deal, right? Think again. Redness, dryness or discomfort can signal infection, irritation or a poorly fitting lens. And if you power through it? You could be putting your eyes at serious risk.
How to avoid it
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Remove your lenses at the first sign of discomfort.
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Give your eyes a break with your eye glasses.
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If the irritation doesn’t clear up, book an appointment with your optometrist. Don’t wait!
3. You put your makeup on first
Your contacts should always go in before you glam up. Mascara flakes and eyeliner smudges are no friends to your lenses. Plus, there’s a much higher chance of makeup particles sneaking behind the lens, causing irritation or infection. Read our in-depth article for tips on wearing makeup with contacts.
How to avoid it
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Pop your lenses in before applying makeup.
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Use hypoallergenic, oil-free makeup.
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Take your lenses out before removing makeup.
4. You clean lenses with… spit?!
We hate that we even have to say this, but no, it’s not OK to clean your lens with saliva. And tap water? Also a no-go. Both can harbor harmful microbes that cause serious eye infections.
How to avoid it
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Pack a spare pair of daily disposable lenses – no need for messy solutions!
5. You reuse daily lenses
Daily lenses are called “daily” for a reason. They’re designed for one-day use, then they’re done. Reusing them invites bacteria, debris and irritation to the party – and trust us, your eyes won’t be celebrating.
How to avoid it
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Toss your lenses at the end of each day. No exceptions.
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Opt for daily disposables like daysoft for easy, hygienic lens wear.
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Keep extra pairs on hand so you’re never tempted to reuse them.
6. You skip the eye doctor
Your annual eye exam is an essential check-up for your peepers. It’s not just about updating your prescription – your optometrist can catch early signs of eye disease and ensure your lenses are still the best fit.
How to avoid it
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Schedule an eye exam at least once a year.
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Speak up about any discomfort, redness or vision changes.
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Trust your eye care pro for personalized lens recommendations.
7. You wear your lenses too long
Pushing past your lenses’ recommended wear time is like trying to squeeze in one more episode of your fave Netflix series before bed – never a good idea. Your eyes need oxygen, and overused lenses block that essential airflow.
How to avoid it
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Follow your optometrist’s recommended wear schedule.
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Listen to your eyes. If they’re feeling dry or irritated, take a break.
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Consider daily disposables for a fresh pair every day.
8. You blink through the pain
A torn or uncomfortable lens is your cue to ditch it immediately. Pushing through the pain won’t earn you a medal — just a possible eye injury.
How to avoid it
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Always inspect your lenses before popping them in.
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If a lens feels wrong, take it out. No exceptions.
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Carry a backup pair of eye glasses, just in case.
9. You wear expired lenses
We get it. Lenses can be pricey. But wearing lenses past their expiration date is like chugging expired milk – just don’t. Old lenses collect bacteria, dry out and put your eyes at risk.
How to avoid it
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Always follow your lens replacement schedule.
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Order fresh lenses before you run out.
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Save money without sacrificing safety with daysoft daily disposable lenses.
10. You sleep in your lenses
Unless your lenses are specifically approved for overnight wear (and your doctor says it’s OK), sleeping in them is a hard no. It limits oxygen to your cornea, increasing your risk of infection.
How to avoid it
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Take your lenses out before bed. Every. Single. Time.
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Keep your eye glasses nearby for those “just too tired” moments.
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Opt for daily disposables for ultimate convenience.
11. You rip them out after sleeping in them
Accidentally snoozed in your lenses? Don’t panic. Your lenses are likely dry and suctioned to your eyes. Ripping them out right away could lead to a corneal abrasion.
How to avoid it
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Use lubricating eye drops and wait a few minutes before removing them.
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If your eyes are red or painful, call your optometrist.
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Keep drops and eye glasses handy for emergencies.
12. You share your lenses
Your BFF may be great at sharing snacks, playlists and bad dating stories – but contact lenses? Not on the list. Swapping lenses spreads bacteria like nobody’s business.
How to avoid it
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Never share lenses. Not even once.
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Stick to your own prescription.
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Encourage friends to get their own lenses (daysoft makes it easy!).
13. You let your lenses get wet
Pools, lakes, showers – they’re all fun until they meet your contact lenses. Water can introduce bacteria that cause serious infections like acanthamoeba keratitis.
How to avoid it
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Take lenses out before swimming or showering.
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Wear goggles if you need vision correction in the water.
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Keep your lenses dry, always.
Why daysoft makes it easy
Still worried about making mistakes? daysoft daily disposable lenses take the stress out of lens care. No cleaning, no storing, no worrying about contamination – just fresh lenses every day. Plus, they’re budget-friendly, so you’ll never be tempted to stretch your lenses.
Your eyes deserve the best. With daysoft, clear, comfortable vision is just a blink away. Ready to see the difference? Try daysoft daily lenses today. Subscribe now.
