7 Things for College Students to Remember When Wearing Contact Lenses

Ah, the college years! The time to learn, make friends, work hard, and party harder. It may also be the first time you are on your own. If you’re a college student wearing contact lenses, you may have some questions about how to care for your contacts while enjoying college life.

That’s why we created this list of reminders specifically geared for you, the college student! Here are seven critical contact lens care tips just for you.

1. Do Not Reuse Daily Contact Lenses

College is expensive. We get it. In addition to tuition and books, you are now responsible for clothes, food, take-out pizza, and quarters for the laundromat. Therefore, you are probably looking for ways to save money.

Daily-wear contacts are very comfortable, but they can be a bit pricey. For that reason you might wonder if you can get away with wearing them for a couple of extra days instead of the recommended wear time. Although we applaud you for trying to stick to a budget, this isn’t the way to do it.

Daily contacts have that name for a reason. They are meant for wearing for one day only. They’re not meant to wear multiple times because of the materials used to make them. Plus, they don’t allow oxygen to your eyes as easily as other contact lenses. So, if you wear them for more than a day, you may have uncomfortable, irritated eyes.

Your eyes can even send cells in to fight off the foreign invader that refuses to leave. This process can damage your cornea and leave scarring, which can lead to vision loss.

None of that is worth the few dollars you’ll save by wearing your contacts more than once. Consider curbing your fancy coffee habit instead!

2. Don’t Sleep in Your Contacts

Here are some things you can do to remember to take out your contacts after you’ve partied a bit too hard:

• Place your contact case somewhere you will see it when you get home to remind you to take out your contacts. Ladies, your purse or wallet is a good place to keep them.
• Write yourself a reminder note to take out your contacts and leave the message-to-self on your pillow or your bathroom mirror.
• Wear glasses instead of contacts so you don’t have to worry about remembering to take them out.

Sometimes, party-goers don’t find their way home after a party. That’s why you should also carry a contact lens case, a small bottle of multipurpose solution, and new lenses for those wearing dailies.

Why is all of this so important? Sleeping in your contacts is really bad for your eyes. The CDC found that most corneal infections occur when people sleep in their contacts. Since contacts limit the oxygen that gets to your eyes and closing your eyelids limits even more oxygen, you’re really asking for trouble.

Not everyone will go blind from sleeping in their contacts. But those that sleep in their contacts are far more likely to get inflammation, an infection, or even a corneal ulcer.

If you go out most nights and find that removing your contacts is just too difficult, there is a simple solution. You may want to talk to your eye doctor about extended wear contacts options. You can wear these continuously for a certain period of time, even while you sleep!

3. Don’t Mix Your Contacts With Water

Spring break on the beach is the perfect way to relax after a taxing time in class. However, before you head into the water, remember to take out your contacts!

The water you swim in is not sterile. Pool water and lake water is not safe either. Since your contacts soak up water so easily, they’ll also soak up the bacteria and chemicals that could cause infection.

A particularly bad infection is Acanthamoeba keratitis. When an amoeba lives off your cornea, it can end up being a painful experience, not to mention permanent blindness if not treated quickly.

4. Don’t Wear Your Contacts All Night While Studying

Pulling an all-nighter with your contacts in is harmful even if you are awake. Wearing lenses too long reduces oxygen flow and causes:

• Eye dryness and discomfort
• Blurred vision from protein deposits
• Higher risk of infection

Instead, switch to glasses when studying late, then put in fresh lenses the next morning.

5. Don’t Share Makeup and Contacts With Your Roomie

You’ve been taught to share since you were a toddler. And everyone knows that sharing with a roomie is tons of fun. However, one thing you should not share is anything you put on or near your eyes.

Here’s why:

• Your doctor picked the right contact lenses for you and your prescription. Even if you can see with your roomie’s color contacts, theirs are not made for your eyes. Contacts that don’t fit quite right can cause irritation, scratches, and lead to an infection.
• Eye makeup also has a lot of bacteria. If you use your roomie’s liquid mascara, you can easily pick up their bacteria. Once again, this leads to infections.

So, share your lunch, share your shoes, and even share your friends. But, under no circumstances should you share your contact lenses or eye makeup!

6. Don’t Forget Cleanliness

College campuses are full of germs. Always wash and dry your hands before handling contacts. Poor hygiene can lead to infections like pink eye.

• Wash hands with soap and water before touching lenses.
• Clean and disinfect reusable contacts as directed.
• Rinse your case with fresh solution daily, not water, and let it air dry.
• Replace your case every 1–3 months.

7. Don’t Forget About the Eye Doctor

Even though you may want to avoid more exams, an annual eye exam is essential if you wear contacts. Your doctor will:

• Check your prescription and eye health
• Evaluate how your lenses fit
• Address issues like dryness, irritation, or allergies

Regular exams ensure you are wearing the safest and most comfortable lenses for your lifestyle.

Contact Lenses for College Students

College life can be busy, but proper contact lens care should not be overlooked. By following these seven rules, you will reduce the risk of infections and keep your eyes healthy while enjoying the freedom and fun of student life.

FAQs: Contact Lens Tips for College Students

Can I reuse daily contact lenses in college to save money?

No. Daily lenses are designed for one-time use and reusing them increases the risk of infection and eye damage.

What happens if I fall asleep in my contact lenses?

Sleeping in lenses restricts oxygen and can lead to infections, inflammation, or corneal ulcers.

Is it safe to swim with contact lenses?

No. Water can introduce bacteria and cause serious infections. Always remove contacts before swimming or showering.

How often should college students see an eye doctor?

At least once a year. Regular exams ensure your lenses fit properly and your eyes remain healthy.

What is the best type of contact lens for busy students?

Daily disposables are the most convenient since they require no cleaning and reduce the risk of infections.