Wearing contact lenses: your essential guide

Getting started with contact lenses

Contact lenses correct a wide range of eye conditions, including astigmatism, presbyopia and short-sightedness. There are many types of contact lenses available to suit your lifestyle, including soft contact lenses, daily wear disposables and extended wear monthly contact lenses. Your eye doctor or optician can help you choose the best fit for your vision needs.

Daily disposable lenses are ideal for first-time wearers. They don’t require cleaning solution and help reduce the risk of eye infections. Monthly lenses offer more flexibility but need consistent lens care with a reliable cleaning solution and proper hygiene.

Thinking of switching from monthlies to dailies? Discover why many contact lens wearers are making the change.

Good habits for healthy eyes

To maintain clear vision and protect your cornea, develop these daily habits:

• Wash and dry your hands before putting in contact lenses

• Use your index or middle finger for safer contact lens use

• Never use tap water or share your contact lens case

• Avoid sleeping in lenses unless advised by your eye doctor

• Regularly clean your contact lens case: use fresh solution and let your case air dry daily

• Stick to your wearing schedule and attend regular check-ups

Ever wondered if you can shower with lenses in? Learn why water and lenses don’t mix: read our article about showering with contact lenses.

Find out why lenses expire and how out-of-date lenses can impact your corneal health.

Sleeping in lenses? Learn the risks, including dry eyes and keratitis.

Spotting and treating common conditions

Wearing lenses can sometimes trigger eye conditions, especially without proper care. If you notice discomfort, blurry vision or redness, remove contact lenses and seek medical advice from your eye doctor.

• Blurry vision from contact lenses: causes and quick fixes

• Contact lenses and conjunctivitis: how to treat and avoid this common infection

• Styes and contact lenses: when to avoid lenses

• Chalazion: signs and solutions

• Eye infections like keratitis: what to look out for and how to stay safe

Use rewetting drops or eye drops for relief from dry eyes, but always consult your optician or eye doctor if symptoms persist.

Lifestyle tips for lens wearers

From sports to skiing, contact lenses fit into every part of your routine. Just be mindful of your lens care habits.

• Contact lenses and sport: clearer vision during activity

• Skiing with lenses: UV protection and comfort

• Swimming and contact lenses: why you should never wear lenses in the pool or hot tub

• Flying with contact lenses: travel safely with all your eyewear essentials

Choosing the right lenses and contact lens solutions

Not sure whether lenses are right for you? Here’s how contact lenses compare to glasses for everyday use and vision correction.

Need support with lens care and cleaning?

• Multipurpose vs hydrogen peroxide solutions: which one is right for you?

• Different types of lens solutions explained: a must-read for every lens wearer

For specific prescriptions, your eye doctor might recommend monovision lenses or hard contact lenses. Read about monovision to learn how it can support both near and distance vision.

Busted: contact lens myths

Wearing contact lenses can raise a lot of questions, especially if you're just getting started. Unfortunately, there’s plenty of misinformation out there. Have you heard that a lens can get lost behind your eye? Or that contact lenses can melt from heat? These are just a couple of the common myths that make contact lens wear seem more complicated than it is.

Here’s the truth. Your eye has a protective membrane that stops anything from getting stuck behind it, including your lenses. And lenses don’t melt, no matter how hot your surroundings are. But there are real risks if you don’t follow proper lens care, like a higher chance of eye infections or corneal irritation.

Knowing what’s fact and what’s fiction helps you take better care of your eyes. If you’re ever unsure, your eye doctor is the best person to ask. Explore our full myth-busting guide for more clarity and confidence in your lens routine.