Wearing contact lenses when you have sensitive eyes can feel like navigating a minefield. One wrong move—using the wrong solution, skipping a cleaning step, or wearing your lenses too long—and you’re left with red, irritated eyes that make you regret ever choosing contact lenses over glasses. But with the right eye care routine, you can enjoy the convenience and freedom of contacts without the discomfort.

If you’re struggling with sensitivity, establishing a comprehensive eye care routine isn’t just recommended—it’s essential. Here’s everything you need to know to keep your eyes healthy, comfortable, and irritation-free.

Morning Routine: Start Fresh

Your morning routine sets the tone for how your eyes will feel throughout the day. Before touching your lenses, always wash your hands thoroughly with fragrance-free, oil-free soap. Residual oils or perfumes from regular soap can transfer to your lenses and trigger irritation in sensitive eyes.

Inspect your lenses carefully before insertion. Hold each lens up to the light and check for tears, deposits, or debris. Even the smallest particle can cause significant discomfort when you have sensitive eyes. If a lens looks damaged or feels uncomfortable, don’t wear it—use a backup pair instead.

Consider applying preservative-free lubricating drops before inserting your lenses. Products like Hycosan Extra create a protective cushion between your eye and the lens, reducing friction and providing immediate comfort. This proactive approach can prevent dryness and irritation before they start.

Daytime Maintenance: Keep Eyes Comfortable

Throughout the day, your eyes work hard to maintain moisture and clarity while accommodating your lenses. For sensitive eyes, this means you need to be extra vigilant about maintaining comfort.

Keep preservative-free rewetting drops with you at all times. Unlike preserved drops that can cause sensitivity reactions with frequent use, preservative-free options are safe to use as often as needed. Apply them whenever your eyes feel dry, after being in air-conditioned environments, or during extended screen time.

Be mindful of your wear time. Even if your lenses are approved for extended wear, sensitive eyes often benefit from shorter wearing periods. Aim to remove your lenses before the recommended maximum time, giving your eyes a chance to breathe and recover. Many eye care professionals recommend limiting daily wear to 10-12 hours for those with sensitivity issues.

Avoid rubbing your eyes, no matter how tempting it feels. This can introduce bacteria, dislodge your lenses, or cause micro-scratches on your cornea. If you experience irritation, remove your lenses, rinse your eyes with preservative-free saline, and give them a break.

Evening Routine: Clean Thoroughly

Your nighttime routine is arguably the most critical part of eye care for contact lens wearers with sensitive eyes. Proper cleaning and storage prevent protein buildup, bacterial contamination, and preservative exposure—all common triggers for sensitivity reactions.

Before removing your lenses, wash and dry your hands completely. Remove each lens gently and place it in the palm of your hand. Apply several drops of your cleaning solution—preferably a hydrogen peroxide-based system or preservative-free multipurpose solution designed for sensitive eyes.

Rub each lens gently in a circular motion for at least 20 seconds, even if you’re using a “no-rub” solution. This mechanical cleaning is crucial for removing protein deposits, lipids, and environmental debris that accumulate throughout the day. Rinse thoroughly with fresh solution before placing them in a clean case filled with fresh solution.

Never reuse old solution or top off what’s already in your case. This practice allows bacteria to multiply and can lead to serious eye infections, particularly problematic for those with sensitive eyes who are already prone to inflammation.

Weekly and Monthly Maintenance

Beyond your daily routine, regular maintenance of your lens care accessories is essential. Replace your lens case every three months minimum, or sooner if you notice any discoloration or residue. Clean your case daily by rinsing it with fresh solution (never tap water) and letting it air dry upside down.

If you wear reusable lenses, consider using an enzymatic cleaner weekly to remove stubborn protein deposits that regular cleaning might miss. These buildups can irritate sensitive eyes and reduce lens comfort over time.

Environmental Considerations

Your environment significantly impacts eye sensitivity. Use a humidifier in your bedroom and workspace to maintain optimal moisture levels, especially during winter months when heating systems dry out the air. Position fans and air vents away from your face to minimize direct airflow that can accelerate tear evaporation.

When applying makeup, choose hypoallergenic, ophthalmologist-tested products. Apply eye makeup after inserting your contact lenses and remove it before taking them out. Avoid waterline eyeliner, which can migrate onto your lenses and cause irritation.

Listen to Your Eyes

Perhaps the most important aspect of any eye care routine is paying attention to warning signs. Persistent redness, pain, light sensitivity, or vision changes warrant immediate removal of your lenses and consultation with your eye care professional. Sensitive eyes require sensitive care—don’t push through discomfort hoping it will resolve on its own.

With dedication to a comprehensive eye care routine tailored to your sensitivity, you can enjoy comfortable, safe contact lens wear every single day.