Contact Lens Care

Contact Lens Care: How to Use Contact Lenses Safely

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Contact lenses are more convenient than glasses, especially during sports or travel, and they enhance appearance. As more students and young adults use contact lenses, cases of side effects caused by improper use and poor hygiene are also increasing.

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Contact lenses are medical devices that sit directly on the cornea — one of the most sensitive tissues in the human body. Proper care, hygiene, and understanding of safety guidelines are essential for protecting your eye health.

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Real-World Injury Statistics Related to Contact Lenses

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According to data from the Korea Consumer Agency, most reported injuries involved people in their 20s (56.1%), followed by teenagers (19.5%) and people in their 30s (14.3%). Women accounted for 78.2% of reported cases.

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The most common symptoms included:

• Eye pain and redness (57.1%)

• Foreign body sensation (30.7%)

• Keratitis (8.0%)

• Conjunctivitis (1.2%)

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The primary causes were:

• Lack of awareness about proper wearing instructions

• Excessive wearing time

• Sleeping with lenses on

• Poor cleaning and disinfection

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How to Prevent Contact Lens Side Effects

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• Always wear lenses prescribed by an eye doctor.

• Get a comprehensive eye exam before use.

• Visit your eye doctor regularly for follow-up exams.

• Clean and disinfect lenses daily.

• Remove lenses immediately if you experience pain or redness.

• Wash your hands thoroughly before handling lenses.

• Use only approved lens solutions — never tap water.

• Do not exceed the recommended wearing time (6–8 hours is ideal).

• Avoid wearing lenses when your eyes are tired.

• Never share contact lenses.

• Apply makeup after inserting lenses.

• Keep fingernails trimmed to prevent scratches.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Can I wear contacts while swimming?
No. Swimming pools increase the risk of bacterial and viral infections.

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Where should I store contact lenses?
Store them at room temperature and avoid humid areas like bathrooms.

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Do contact lenses worsen eyesight?
No. However, improper care can damage the cornea and affect corrected vision.

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Are colored lenses less safe?
Colored lenses may have lower oxygen permeability and should not be worn for long periods.