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Practical and comfortable, contact lenses offer plenty of benefits for students. But to enjoy those benefits, you need a solid care routine.

Between late-night study sessions and a packed student schedule, it is easy to let healthy habits slip — but neglecting your eye hygiene can lead to serious infections and, in severe cases, vision loss.

As you head back to lectures, here are the contact lens care tips every student should know.

Never shower or swim in your lenses

Water can harbour all kinds of pathogens and parasites, the most dangerous being Acanthamoeba — an organism that attaches to your lenses and can reach the cornea. To avoid serious infection, students should avoid swimming or showering while wearing contact lenses. In fact, lenses should never come into contact with any kind of water — tap water, pool water, the sea, lakes, hot tubs or showers. Some dangerous bacteria and organisms can thrive even in chlorinated water.

Don’t share your make-up

It might seem harmless, but sharing make-up such as mascara, eyeliner or eyeshadow is a reliable way to spread a viral infection like conjunctivitis. Try to use your own products, and replace eye make-up every three months. Take a look at our guide to protecting your eyes when wearing make-up for more advice.

Wash your hands regularly

University corridors and packed lecture halls can be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. Students should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling contact lenses, and avoid touching their eyes throughout the day.

Avoid smoking

Research shows a strong link between smoking and the development of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Smokers are also more prone to dry eyes — another good reason to kick the habit.

Store and clean your lenses properly

Proper storage and cleaning is the simplest way to reduce your risk of infection.

The key to keeping reusable lenses clean is the “rub and rinse” method — rub and rinse them before placing them in a clean case with fresh solution. Tempting as it might be, never use tap water or bottled water as a substitute for lens solution.

Your lens case needs to be as clean as your lenses to prevent biofilm and bacteria from building up. It is recommended that you replace your lens case at least once every three months.

Many students opt for the convenience of daily disposable lenses. With dailies, you simply remove and discard them at the end of the day — no cleaning or storage required.

Stick to a regular wearing schedule

Many people tend to wear their lenses longer than recommended. Wearing lenses for too long — or, worse, sleeping in them — can cause vision problems. When lenses are worn beyond their recommended period, the amount of oxygen reaching the eye is significantly reduced. Without sufficient oxygen, the cornea becomes inflamed and vulnerable to pathogens and bacteria, which can lead to infection. Symptoms of over-wearing include pain, blurred vision, red eyes and excessive watering.
If you’re not sure how long you can wear your lenses, check the packaging or speak to your optician.

Take screen breaks

Blinking spreads the all-important tear film across the eye, keeping the surface moist and reducing the risk of infection. Prolonged screen use can significantly reduce your blink rate, leading to dry, itchy eyes. If you’re up all night studying or socialising, take out your lenses and switch to your glasses. Your eyes will thank you.

Consider switching to dailies

Practical and comfortable, daily disposable lenses are a healthy option for teenagers and students, as they eliminate the cleaning process entirely.

Beyond the health benefits, wearing fresh daily disposables each day means consistent comfort throughout the day.

Menicon, the leading Japanese contact lens manufacturer, offers a wide range of premium disposable lenses, each with unique features. Book an appointment today to speak with your optician about which lenses best suit your lifestyle and needs.