If you wear contact lenses, October is the perfect time to refresh your healthy lens habits.
October marks Contact Lens Awareness Month, a reminder that safe habits protect your eyes and keep your lenses comfortable.
At Antoine Eye Care, located inside LensCrafters, we help patients of all ages enjoy clear, healthy vision with personalized contact lens fittings and education. Whether you wear Acuvue®, Air Optix®, or DAILIES®, our optometrists ensure you get lenses that suit your eyes and lifestyle.
Why Contact Lens Hygiene Matters
It’s easy to forget that contact lenses sit directly on your eyes — one of the most delicate parts of the body. Small mistakes like sleeping in your lenses, rinsing them with tap water, or skipping daily cleaning can quickly lead to irritation or infection.
Even mild dryness or redness can be an early warning sign of a bigger problem. Proper contact lens hygiene isn’t just about comfort — it’s about protecting your long-term vision health.
5 Tips for Healthier Contact Lens Wear
1. Wash Your Hands Every Time
Before touching your contacts, always wash and dry your hands thoroughly. This prevents dirt, oil, and bacteria from transferring to your lenses and causing eye irritation or infection.
2. Replace Lenses on Schedule
It might be tempting to stretch your wear time, but overwearing your lenses can reduce oxygen flow and increase infection risk. Follow your prescribed replacement schedule — whether daily, biweekly, or monthly — to keep your eyes safe and comfortable.
3. Never Sleep in Contacts (Unless Approved)
Sleeping in contacts cuts off oxygen to the eyes and increases the risk of corneal inflammation or infection. Only certain lenses are approved for extended wear, so check with your optometrist before dozing off in them.
4. Keep Your Lens Case Clean
Replace your case every one to three months, and let it air dry after each use. Dirty or old cases are a major source of bacterial buildup and contamination.
5. Schedule Regular Eye Exams
Your eyes and prescription can change over time. Annual contact lens exams at Antoine Eye Care ensure your lenses still fit correctly and your eyes stay healthy. We offer fittings for all lens types, including multifocal, toric (for astigmatism), and specialty lenses for dry eye or keratoconus.
When to See Your Optometrist
If you notice redness, dryness, burning, or blurred vision, it’s time to take a break from your lenses and call your optometrist. These symptoms can signal an underlying issue that needs professional attention.
The team at Antoine Eye Care provides complete contact lens services in St. Louis, from first-time fittings to advanced lens designs that improve comfort and clarity.
Schedule Your Contact Lens Exam in St. Louis
Whether you’re new to contact lenses or have worn them for years, Contact Lens Awareness Month is a great reminder to give your eyes the care they deserve. Schedule your contact lens exam with Antoine Eye Care today to ensure your lenses fit perfectly, your eyes stay healthy, and your vision stays clear.
Our experienced optometrists are here to help you enjoy all the benefits of safe, comfortable contact lens wear. Contact or visit us inside LensCrafters at the St. Louis Galleria to book your appointment.