Most contact lens wearers think about their lenses. Fewer think about the little plastic case the lenses sleep in every night. According to an eye care specialist at the Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute, that case is where many of the riskiest shortcuts happen.
The habits that cause the most trouble
In an Optometry Times interview, Nicole Haessly, OD, FAAO, listed the unsafe habits she sees most often:
- Napping or sleeping in contact lenses
- Wearing lenses longer than their recommended replacement schedule
- Exposing lenses to water
- Taking shortcuts with cleaning and disinfection
The case steps people skip
Dr. Haessly said the steps patients skip most involve storage and case hygiene:
- Topping off old solution instead of replacing it with fresh solution every time.
- Rinsing the case with tap water instead of contact lens solution.
- Not replacing the case regularly.
A dirty case can grow germs and a slimy film called biofilm, which raises the risk of infection.
How fast an infection can become serious
She noted that a contact lens infection, including microbial or Acanthamoeba keratitis, can progress over days or even hours. Severe infections can cause corneal ulcers, scarring and permanent vision loss. If you develop eye pain, redness, light sensitivity, discharge or vision changes, take your lenses out and get care right away.
What has made lenses safer
Silicone hydrogel materials let much more oxygen reach the cornea than older lenses, and daily disposable lenses avoid storage cases altogether. Both have helped reduce problems, but only if lenses are worn as directed.
A simple routine
- Wash and dry your hands before touching lenses.
- Use fresh solution every night. Never reuse or top off.
- Rinse the case with solution, let it air-dry face down, and replace it regularly.
- Keep water away from lenses, including showers and pools.
- Carry backup glasses so you never have to stretch a lens.
For more plain-language eye health news, visit this Encino eye health blog.
Questions about your lenses? Call our Westlake Village office at (805) 230-2126.
I tell every contact lens patient: your case is part of your prescription. Treat it that way and your eyes will thank you.
Source: Contact lens case hygiene among most skipped steps in lens care (Optometry Times, 10/30/2026). This article is an educational summary written by Khanna Vision Institute and is not a substitute for medical advice.