Protecting Your Eyes: Contact Lens Care During Cold and Flu Season

Cold and flu season has arrived once again, and it’s a time when many of us find ourselves fighting off sniffles, coughs, and general winter bugs. If you wear contact lenses, you might be wondering whether it’s safe to continue using them while you’re feeling unwell.

At Derbyshire Opticians, we care about helping our local community maintain healthy, comfortable vision all year round. Here’s our advice on how to look after your eyes and your contact lenses during cold and flu season.

Can You Wear Contact Lenses If You Have a Cold?

If you’ve come down with a cold, it’s usually safe to wear your contact lenses. However, if your eyes are feeling irritated, dry, or sore, it may be best to take a short break and wear your glasses instead.

Our eyes are one of the easiest ways for germs to enter the body. Touching or rubbing them with unwashed hands can transfer bacteria or viruses and may lead to infections such as conjunctivitis (also known as pink eye).

Because contact lens wearers touch their eyes more often, it’s especially important to keep up good hygiene habits at this time of year.

Top Tips for Wearing Contact Lenses Safely During Cold and Flu Season

1. Take a break when you need to

If you’re feeling unwell or your eyes are tired, give them a rest. Wearing your glasses for a few days can make your eyes more comfortable and reduce the risk of infection.

2. Wash and dry your hands thoroughly

Before handling your lenses, wash your hands with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds. Dry them carefully with a clean, lint-free towel before touching your eyes or lenses.

3. Keep your lens case clean and replace it regularly

If you use reusable lenses, clean and disinfect your lens case frequently and replace it every one to three months. Germs can quickly build up if your case isn’t properly cared for.

4. Switch to glasses if you have a fever or eye infection

If you’re battling a bad cold, have a fever, or your eyes are sore, it’s best to stop wearing your lenses until you’ve recovered. Glasses allow your eyes to heal and prevent germs from spreading to your lens accessories.

5. Consider daily disposable lenses

For families with busy routines, or for anyone who tends to catch winter bugs easily, daily disposable lenses can be a practical choice. You use a fresh pair each day, which means less cleaning and fewer opportunities for bacteria to build up.

6. Keep your eyes hydrated

Colds, flu, and many cold medicines can dry out your eyes. Using lens-safe lubricating drops can help keep your eyes comfortable. At Derbyshire Opticians, we offer a range of dry eye products that can soothe irritation and restore comfort.

After You’ve Recovered

Once you’re feeling better, ease back into wearing your contact lenses gradually. Your eyes may still be sensitive, so start with shorter wear times and build up as comfort improves.

It’s also important to replace any lenses or cases you used while you were unwell to avoid reintroducing germs. Continuing to follow good hygiene habits, such as washing your hands before handling lenses and using fresh cleaning solution, will help keep your eyes healthy throughout the year.

Here for You and Your Family

At Derbyshire Opticians, we’re proud to support families and individuals across our community with trusted, local eye care. Whether you’re new to contact lenses or an existing wearer, our team is here to offer advice, check your eyes, and help you find the best products for clear and comfortable vision.

If your eyes ever feel dry, irritated, or uncomfortable, switch to your glasses and get in touch with us. We’re always happy to help you look after your eyes, because healthy eyes mean a healthier you.