Right, let’s talk about contact lenses. They’re brilliant – no frames sliding down your nose, no fogged-up glasses when you’re having a cuppa, and you can actually see properly when it’s raining. But here’s the thing: they need proper care. Not “sort of” care or “when I remember” care – actual, consistent care.
I’m Matt Rose from Brittain Opticians in Harborne, and I’ve seen what happens when people get lazy with contact lens hygiene. Spoiler alert: it’s not pretty. The good news? Looking after your contacts properly isn’t difficult. It just needs to become part of your routine, like brushing your teeth.
Why Contact Lens Care Actually Matters
Your eyes are precious and surprisingly vulnerable. Contact lenses sit directly on your cornea – the clear surface at the front of your eye. When they’re not cared for properly, they can create the perfect environment for bacteria and irritation. Protect your eyes with quality sunglasses Birmingham customers trust to keep them safe and stylish.
Poor contact lens hygiene can lead to:
- Infections: From mild irritation to serious infections that can permanently damage your vision or even cause blindness. I’m not trying to scare you, but keratitis (corneal infection) is genuinely serious.
- Corneal ulcers: Open sores on your cornea. Painful, potentially sight-threatening, and completely avoidable with proper care.
- Dry, irritated eyes: Poor hygiene and dirty lenses make your eyes work harder and feel worse.
- Contact lens intolerance: Eventually, your eyes might reject contacts altogether if you keep mistreating them.
The vast majority of contact lens problems are caused by poor hygiene or not following care instructions. Sort your routine out, and you’ll likely never have an issue.
Understanding Your Contact Lens Type
Different contacts need different care. Here’s what you need to know:
Daily Disposables
The easiest option by far. Wear them for the day, chuck them out at night. No cleaning, no storage, no faff. You literally can’t mess this up (unless you try to wear them for multiple days, which is a terrible idea).
If you’re lazy with hygiene or have a hectic lifestyle, daily disposables are your friend. They’re more expensive per lens, but there’s no solution to buy and no case to clean.
Two-Weekly Disposables
Wear them daily for up to two weeks, then replace them. Need proper cleaning and storage every night. Popular middle-ground option – not as expensive as dailies but fresher than monthlies.
Monthly Disposables
Wear them daily for up to a month, then replace. Also need cleaning and storage every night. Most economical option if you’re diligent about care.
Extended Wear
Some contacts are approved for overnight wear or continuous wear for several days. These need careful monitoring by your optician and even more attention to hygiene when you do take them out.
Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP)
Less common these days but brilliant for certain prescriptions. More durable than soft lenses, need different cleaning solutions, and can last a year or more with proper care.
At Brittain Opticians, we’ll help you figure out which type suits your lifestyle and prescription. No point in monthly lenses if you know you’ll forget to clean them properly.
The Golden Rules of Contact Lens Hygiene
These aren’t suggestions. These are non-negotiable:
1. Wash your hands: Every single time before touching your lenses. Soap and water, dry with a clean towel (not that manky one that’s been hanging in your bathroom for three weeks). No hand sanitizer – it leaves residue.
2. Never use water: Not tap water, not bottled water, not saline solution from the pharmacy. Only proper contact lens solution. Water contains organisms that can cause serious infections.
3. Replace your solution: Don’t top up old solution in your case. Empty it, rinse with fresh solution, and fill with new solution every time.
4. Follow the schedule: If they’re two-weekly lenses, that means 14 days max. Not 16 because you forgot to order new ones. Not 20 because they still feel fine.
5. Never sleep in them: Unless they’re specifically approved for overnight wear and your optician has said it’s okay. Sleeping in contacts massively increases infection risk.
6. Take them out if something’s wrong: If your eyes hurt, look red, or feel weird, take your contacts out immediately. Don’t power through.
Your Daily Contact Lens Routine
Morning (putting them in):
1. Wash and dry your hands thoroughly
2. Check each lens is clean, moist, and not damaged
3. Place on your finger and check it’s the right way around (should look like a bowl, not a plate with edges flaring out)
4. Insert carefully
5. Blink a few times to settle them
6. Empty your contact lens case and leave it open to air dry
Evening (taking them out):
1. Wash and dry your hands thoroughly
2. Remove each lens carefully
3. Place lens in your palm
4. Apply a few drops of fresh solution
5. Rub gently with your finger for about 20 seconds (even if your solution says “no-rub” – rub anyway, it’s more effective)
6. Rinse with more solution
7. Place in a clean case filled with fresh solution
8. Repeat with the other lens
That’s it. Takes about two minutes once you’re used to it.
Contact Lens Solutions: What You Need to Know
Walk into any shop and you’re faced with dozens of contact lens solutions. Here’s the breakdown:
Multipurpose Solutions
The most common type. Cleans, rinses, disinfects, and stores your lenses in one solution. Convenient and effective for most people. Make sure it’s compatible with your lens type.
Hydrogen Peroxide Systems
More thorough disinfection but requires a special case and at least 6 hours neutralizing time. Great if you have sensitive eyes or get lots of protein buildup. Never put these directly in your eye before they’re neutralized – it’ll hurt like hell.
Saline Solution
Just for rinsing. Doesn’t clean or disinfect. Some people use it for extra rinsing after cleaning, but multipurpose solution does the job fine on its own.
Daily Cleaner
Sometimes recommended alongside storage solution for extra cleaning power, especially for protein buildup.
The contacts in Birmingham that we fit at Brittain Opticians come with specific solution recommendations. Stick to what we suggest – not all solutions work with all lenses. To learn more about our expert fittings and guidance, explore our Contact Lens Services for personalised advice and support.
Your Contact Lens Case Matters More Than You Think
That little case your lenses live in? It’s a potential breeding ground for bacteria if you don’t treat it right.
- Clean it daily: Rinse with fresh solution (not water), let it air dry upside down. Don’t put the caps back on while it’s drying.
- Replace it regularly: Every month, or whenever you open a new bottle of solution (many come with a free case). Cases get grimy fast.
- Never use damaged cases: Cracks and scratches harbor bacteria.
- Store it clean and dry: Don’t leave it sitting in a puddle on your bathroom counter.
I know it seems like overkill, but contaminated cases are a major source of eye infections. Sort your case out.
Common Mistakes That Can Damage Your Eyes
Let me save you from the mistakes I see all the time:
“Topping up” solution: Emptying some old solution and adding new doesn’t cut it. Empty completely, rinse, refill with fresh solution.
- Wearing lenses past their replacement date: “They still feel fine” isn’t the point. Protein and lipid deposits build up, making them less safe and comfortable. Stick to the schedule.
- Rinsing with tap water: I can’t stress this enough. Water + contact lenses = potential for serious infection. Don’t do it. Ever.
- Swimming or showering in contacts: Water again. If you must swim in them, wear goggles and clean them thoroughly afterward. Better yet, use daily disposables and chuck them after.
- Sleeping in contacts not approved for it: Even a quick nap reduces oxygen to your cornea. Regular napping or sleeping in daily wear lenses is asking for trouble.
- Ignoring discomfort: If something doesn’t feel right, take them out. Pushing through can turn a minor issue into a major problem.
- Sharing contacts: Never, ever share contacts with someone else. Not even “just to try them.” Different prescriptions aside, you’re sharing bacteria. Grim.
- Using saliva to wet your lenses: I really hope I don’t need to explain why this is a terrible idea, but apparently, some people do this. Your mouth is full of bacteria. Keep it away from your contacts.
What to Do When Things Go Wrong
Even with perfect care, sometimes issues happen. Here’s when to act:
Remove your contacts immediately if:
- Your eyes are painful or very uncomfortable
- They’re unusually red
- Your vision has changed suddenly
- You see halos around lights
- Your eyes are watering excessively
- They’re light-sensitive
- There’s discharge
Then:
1. Take the contacts out
2. Give your eyes a break
3. If symptoms don’t improve quickly, contact your optician or seek medical attention
4. Don’t put the contacts back in until you’ve been checked out
We see people at Brittain Opticians regularly for contact lens check-ups. If you’re having issues with contacts in Birmingham, come see us. Don’t suffer in silence or try to diagnose yourself on Google.
Special Situations
Makeup and Contact Lenses
Put your contacts in before applying makeup. Take them out before removing makeup. Use oil-free products where possible. Replace eye makeup regularly (mascara every 3 months) as it can harbor bacteria.
Allergies and Hay Fever
Daily disposables are brilliant during allergy season – you’re not building up pollen on your lenses day after day. If your eyes are really irritated, give contacts a break and wear glasses for a bit.
Dry Eyes
Some people struggle with dry eyes while wearing contacts. Preservative-free lubricating drops designed for contact lens wearers can help. Daily disposables might be more comfortable than monthlies. Chat to us about options – modern contacts are much better for dry eyes than they used to be.
Travelling
Take more contacts than you think you’ll need. Pack solution in your checked luggage (or buy small bottles for carry-on). If you’re going somewhere with questionable water quality, be extra cautious. Consider daily disposables for travel – less faff.
Sports and Exercise
Contacts are usually better than glasses for sports. Sweat can get in your eyes though, so keep them clean. For swimming, either wear goggles or use daily disposables that you chuck immediately after.
Your Regular Contact Lens Check-Ups
Even if everything seems fine, you need regular check-ups. For contacts in Birmingham, we usually recommend check-ups every 6-12 months, but it depends on your situation.
During a contact lens check-up, we’ll:
- Assess how well your lenses fit
- Check your eye health
- Make sure your prescription is still correct
- Look for any signs of complications
- Discuss any issues you’re having
- Adjust your lens type if needed
Contact lenses aren’t “fit and forget.” Your eyes change, lens technology improves, and problems can develop gradually without you noticing. Regular check-ups catch issues early.
When to Replace Your Contact Lenses
- Daily disposables: Every day. No exceptions.
- Two-weekly: After 14 days of wear, not 14 days since opening.
- Monthly: After 30 days of wear, not 30 days on the calendar.
- Extended wear: Follow your optician’s specific instructions.
- RGP lenses: Usually annually, but depends on wear and tear.
Set reminders on your phone if you need to. Running out of lenses and stretching your current pair “just a few more days” is how problems start.
The Cost of Contact Lenses
Let’s talk money. Contact lenses are an ongoing expense, and costs vary depending on type:
- Daily disposables: Most expensive per lens, but no solution costs. Typically £20-40 per month.
- Two-weekly or monthly: Cheaper per lens, but add £5-10 per month for solution. Usually works out around £15-35 per month total.
- RGP lenses: Higher upfront cost but last longer. Might be more economical long-term for some prescriptions.
At Brittain Opticians in Harborne, we can help you figure out what fits your budget and lifestyle. Sometimes paying a bit more for dailies is worth it for the convenience and reduced infection risk.
Many people alternate between contacts and glasses. You don’t have to choose one forever.
Contact Lenses vs. Glasses: The Hybrid Approach
You don’t have to be all-in on contacts. Plenty of people wear contacts most of the time but have glasses for:
- Evenings when their eyes are tired
- Days when they’re feeling under the weather
- Long flights or travel days
- Lazy weekends at home
- Computer-heavy work days
- When they have an eye infection or irritation
Having both options gives you flexibility. Your eyes will appreciate the occasional break from contacts anyway.
Signs You Might Need a Different Type of Contact
If you’re experiencing any of these regularly, it might be time to reassess:
- Consistent discomfort, even with proper care
- Eyes feeling dry by mid-afternoon
- Lenses feeling tight or stuck
- Vision fluctuating throughout the day
- Frequent red eyes
- Struggling to keep up with cleaning routines
- Protein buildup problems
Modern contact lens technology has come miles. If you tried contacts years ago and hated them, it’s worth trying again. The materials and designs have improved massively.
Come chat to us at Brittain Opticians about the contacts in Birmingham that might work better for you. We fit loads of different types and we’ll find something that suits.
Children and Contact Lenses
Parents often ask when kids can start wearing contacts. There’s no magic age – it’s more about responsibility and maturity, but typically from the age of 8 onwards is a usually where we start.
If your child can:
- Follow hygiene instructions consistently
- Remember their daily routine without constant reminding
- Understand the importance of proper care
- Tell you if something’s wrong
Then they might be ready. Some kids are ready at 12, others not until 16. Daily disposables are usually best for younger wearers – less to remember, less that can go wrong.
Final Thoughts
Contact lenses are amazing. They give you freedom, convenience, and (for many people) better vision than glasses. But they’re medical devices sitting on your eyes, and they need respect.
Good contact lens hygiene isn’t complicated:
- Wash your hands
- Use fresh solution
- Clean your lenses properly
- Replace them on schedule
- Clean your case
- Get regular check-ups
That’s honestly it. Do these things consistently and you’ll likely never have a problem.
If you’re struggling with contact lenses, finding them uncomfortable, or just want to make sure you’re using them correctly, visit us at Brittain Opticians in Harborne. As trusted opticians Birmingham residents rely on, we fit and support many contact lens wearers and are always happy to help resolve any issues.
Your eyes are irreplaceable. Look after them properly, and they’ll serve you well for decades. Cut corners with contact lens care, and you’re gambling with your vision. It’s really that simple.
