Extending the life of your colored contact lenses isn't just about saving money; it's crucial for maintaining optimal eye health and comfort. By following proper care routines and hygiene protocols, you can significantly make contacts last longer and ensure they remain safe and effective for their intended wear schedule. This guide from MyEyeColors will walk you through 8 essential ways to maximize the lifespan of your beautiful colored contacts. For more on this, see our guide to 7 Mistakes People Make With Colored Contacts.
1. Strict Hygiene is Non-Negotiable
The cornerstone of making your colored contacts last longer and keeping your eyes healthy is impeccable hygiene. Your hands are the primary carriers of germs to your eyes, so always treat contact lens handling as a sterile procedure.
Wash Your Hands Thoroughly
- Before touching your lenses or eyes, wash your hands with mild, non-cosmetic soap and water.
- Rinse them completely to remove all soap residue, which can irritate your eyes or contaminate your lenses.
- Dry your hands with a lint-free towel to prevent fibers from sticking to your lenses.
Never Use Tap Water
Tap water, even filtered, contains microorganisms that can cause serious eye infections, including Acanthamoeba keratitis, a rare but vision-threatening infection. Always use fresh, sterile contact lens solution for cleaning and rinsing.
Rub and Rinse Your Lenses
Even with "no-rub" solutions, gently rubbing your lenses with your fingertips in the palm of your hand for 5-10 seconds before rinsing helps remove protein deposits, lipids, and debris. This mechanical cleaning action is vital for preventing build-up that can shorten lens life and impair vision.
2. Use the Right Solutions (and Don't Skimp)
The type and quality of your contact lens solution play a critical role in lens longevity and eye safety. Not all solutions are created equal, and using the wrong one can damage your lenses or harm your eyes.
Choose Approved Contact Lens Solutions
Always use a sterile, commercially produced solution specifically designed for soft contact lenses. There are two main types:
- Multi-Purpose Solutions: These allow you to clean, rinse, disinfect, and store your lenses using a single product. They are convenient but require diligent rubbing and rinsing.
- Hydrogen Peroxide Systems: These provide a deeper clean and are excellent for sensitive eyes. However, they require a specific case with a neutralizing disc and must be allowed to neutralize for several hours before lenses can be worn. Never put un-neutralized hydrogen peroxide directly into your eyes.
Never Substitute with Saline or Rewetting Drops for Cleaning
Saline solution is for rinsing only, not for cleaning or disinfecting. Rewetting drops are designed to lubricate and moisten lenses while they are in your eyes, but they lack the cleaning and disinfecting agents needed for proper lens care. Using these as substitutes for cleaning will not adequately disinfect your lenses and can lead to infections and deposits. If you're weighing options, our roundup of Best Colored Contacts to Make Brown Eyes Pop is a good next read.
Check Expiration Dates
Just like medicine, contact lens solutions have expiration dates. Using expired solution can compromise its effectiveness, leading to inadequate disinfection and potential eye health risks. Also, dispose of any opened solution bottle after the recommended period (usually 3 months, check bottle instructions), even if there's solution left.
3. Replace Your Lens Case Regularly
Your contact lens case is not immune to bacteria and biofilm buildup. This often-overlooked aspect of lens care is crucial for preventing contamination.
Why Regular Replacement Matters
Over time, even with regular rinsing, contact lens cases can accumulate bacteria, fungi, and biofilm — a slimy layer of microorganisms that is resistant to disinfectants. This biofilm can then transfer to your lenses and, subsequently, to your eyes, leading to infections.
How Often to Replace Your Case
The general recommendation is to replace your contact lens case every 1 to 3 months. Many solution bottles come with a fresh case, encouraging this habit. Always air-dry your case upside down with the caps off after each use to minimize moisture and bacterial growth.
4. Adhere to the Recommended Wear Schedule
This is perhaps one of the most critical factors in making your colored contacts last longer and safely. Contact lenses are designed for specific wear durations for a reason.
Understand Your Lens Type
MyEyeColors offers a range of colored contacts, each designed for a specific replacement schedule:
- Daily Disposables: Designed for one-time use. You wear them for a single day and then discard them. Attempting to clean and reuse them is dangerous and compromises their integrity.
- Bi-Weekly or Monthly Lenses: These are designed to be worn for two weeks or one month, respectively, with daily cleaning and proper storage.
The Dangers of Overwearing
Overwearing lenses beyond their recommended schedule significantly reduces their oxygen permeability, leading to corneal hypoxia (lack of oxygen to the eye). This can cause discomfort, redness, blurred vision, and increase the risk of serious eye infections, corneal ulcers, and even permanent vision damage. The material of the lens also breaks down over time, making it less effective at retaining moisture and more prone to deposit buildup. To truly make contacts last, you must respect their intended lifespan. You might also like our take on How Long Do Colored Contacts Last Once Opened.
5. Handle Lenses Gently and Correctly
Colored contact lenses are delicate medical devices. Improper handling can easily lead to tears, nicks, or damage that renders them unusable prematurely.
Use Fingertips, Not Fingernails
Always use the pad of your index finger to handle your lenses. Long or sharp fingernails can easily scratch, tear, or puncture the soft lens material. If you have long nails, be extra cautious.
Avoid Pinching or Folding
When removing lenses, avoid pinching them too hard or folding them excessively. Gently slide them off the eye using a "pinch and slide" or "slide off" technique recommended by your eye care professional.
Check for Damage Before Insertion
Before inserting a lens, always inspect it for any tears, nicks, or foreign particles. A damaged lens can cause significant discomfort and scratch your cornea. If a lens is damaged, discard it immediately and use a new one. Never attempt to wear a torn or compromised lens.
6. Protect Lenses from Environmental Factors
Your contact lenses are susceptible to damage from various environmental elements. Proper storage and awareness can help preserve their condition.
Avoid Extreme Heat and Cold
Extreme temperatures can affect the integrity of contact lens materials and solutions. Do not leave your lenses or solution in direct sunlight, in a hot car, or expose them to freezing temperatures. Store them at room temperature as recommended by the manufacturer. We break this down further in How to Make Colored Contacts More Comfortable.
Keep Away from Dust and Chemicals
Always keep your lens case closed to prevent dust, lint, and other airborne particles from contaminating your lenses. Be mindful of aerosols, sprays, and harsh chemicals (like cleaning products or hairspray) when handling or wearing your lenses, as these can irritate your eyes or damage the lens material.
Proper Storage During Travel
When traveling, ensure your lenses are stored in a secure, leak-proof case filled with fresh solution. Consider bringing a travel-sized solution bottle to avoid running out. MyEyeColors lenses are securely packaged, but once opened, proper daily care is key.
7. Never Share Your Lenses
This point cannot be stressed enough for both hygiene and prescription reasons. Sharing colored contact lenses is extremely dangerous and compromises your eye health.
Risk of Infection
Sharing lenses directly transfers bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms from one person's eye to another. This dramatically increases the risk of severe eye infections, some of which can lead to permanent vision loss.
Prescription and Fit
Colored contacts are medical devices and require a prescription, just like clear contacts. Lenses are specifically fitted to the curvature and diameter of your eye (base curve and diameter) by an eye care professional. A lens that fits one person perfectly might be too tight or too loose for another, leading to discomfort, blurry vision, and potential corneal damage. Even for cosmetic purposes, a proper fitting is essential. If you're looking for stunning new shades, explore the wide range of options at MyEyeColors browse our colored contacts – but always remember they are for individual use only.
8. Regular Eye Exams Are Crucial
Even if your colored contacts feel comfortable, regular check-ups with your eye care professional are indispensable for long-term eye health and ensuring your lenses remain suitable. It pairs well with what we cover in How to Make Dark Brown Eyes Look Lighter With Contacts.
Monitor Eye Health
An optometrist or ophthalmologist can detect subtle changes in your eye health that you might not notice, such as early signs of irritation, oxygen deprivation, or infection. They can also ensure your current lenses are still the best fit and material for your eyes.
Update Prescriptions
Eye prescriptions can change over time. Regular exams ensure you're wearing lenses with the correct power and fit, which is vital for clear vision and comfort. A poorly fitting lens can not only be uncomfortable but can also contribute to corneal issues, shortening the effective life of your lenses and potentially damaging your eyes.
By diligently following these 8 tips, you can significantly extend the life of your MyEyeColors colored contacts while prioritizing the health and safety of your eyes. Always remember that your eyes are precious, and proper care is an investment in your vision.
Key Takeaways
- Always prioritize hygiene: wash hands, use fresh solution, and never use tap water.
- Adhere strictly to the recommended wear schedule for your lenses (daily, bi-weekly, monthly).
- Replace your contact lens case every 1-3 months to prevent biofilm buildup.
- Handle lenses gently and inspect them for damage before insertion.
- Never share colored contact lenses due to infection risks and individual prescription needs.
- Schedule regular eye exams to ensure your lenses are still suitable and your eyes are healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do colored contacts typically last?
The lifespan of colored contacts depends entirely on their type and your eye care professional's recommendation. Daily disposables last one day, bi-weekly lenses last two weeks, and monthly lenses last one month. Never extend their wear beyond these specified periods, regardless of how clean they seem.
Can I sleep in my colored contacts to make them last longer?
No, unless your eye care professional has specifically prescribed extended wear lenses that are approved for overnight use. Sleeping in standard colored contacts significantly increases your risk of serious eye infections, corneal ulcers, and oxygen deprivation to your eyes. Always remove them before sleep.
What should I do if my colored contact lens feels uncomfortable or irritated?
If a lens feels uncomfortable, remove it immediately. Clean and rinse it thoroughly with fresh solution, then inspect it for any tears, debris, or inverted orientation. If the discomfort persists after reinsertion, discard the lens and use a new one. If eye irritation, redness, pain, or blurred vision continues, remove your lenses and consult your eye care professional immediately.
Is it okay to use tap water if I run out of contact lens solution?
Absolutely not. Tap water, even distilled or filtered, contains microorganisms like Acanthamoeba that can cause severe and potentially blinding eye infections. Always use sterile, commercially produced contact lens solution for rinsing and storing your lenses. It's wise to keep an emergency travel-sized bottle of solution on hand.
0 comments