It is common to remove a contact lens momentarily, whether due to irritation, a brief nap, or accidentally dropping it. Whether you can safely put that lens back in depends entirely on the circumstances of its removal and the steps you take afterward. Since contact lenses are medical devices that sit directly on the delicate surface of your eye, the rules for reinsertion are strict and designed to protect your vision. Understanding the time limits and proper cleaning procedures is essential for maintaining eye health and avoiding complications.
The Critical Time Limit for Immediate Reinsertion
If a lens is removed for only a very brief period—such as to check if it is inside out or to clear dust—immediate reinsertion may be possible without a full disinfection cycle. This window is typically measured in seconds, or one to two minutes at the maximum. The lens must remain wet with a sterile solution or a clean rewetting drop during this time. Immediate reinsertion assumes the lens has not touched any non-sterile surface and your hands were freshly washed.
The moment the lens touches anything outside of your eye, a clean fingertip, or a sterile case, the risk of contamination rises sharply. If the lens drops onto a surface like a sink counter or a floor, or if it is out for longer than a few minutes, it has moved beyond the “immediate” window. The lens cannot be simply placed back into the eye without performing a cleaning and disinfection procedure.
Required Steps for Safe Reinsertion
If your lens has been out of your eye for more than a few minutes, or if you suspect contamination, you must follow a specific process before reinsertion. The first step is to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water, then dry them completely with a lint-free towel. This prevents the transfer of bacteria and debris from your hands to the lens.
Next, clean the lens by applying a few drops of fresh multipurpose contact lens solution to the surface and gently rubbing it with your finger for about 20 seconds. This physical action, known as the “rub and rinse” method, helps remove protein deposits and debris. Following the rub, rinse the lens with a steady stream of fresh solution to wash away contaminants. Finally, the lens must be submerged in a clean case filled with fresh disinfecting solution for the minimum recommended soaking time, usually several hours, to kill microbes before it is safe to wear again.
Risks of Improper Handling and Reinsertion
Failing to clean and disinfect a lens properly before reinsertion can introduce harmful microorganisms directly to the cornea, leading to health consequences. One serious risk is microbial keratitis, an infection of the cornea caused by bacteria, fungi, or parasites like Acanthamoeba. This condition can develop rapidly and cause pain, redness, discharge, and light sensitivity. In extreme cases, infection can lead to corneal scarring and permanent vision loss.
Reinserting a lens that has not been cleaned also increases the chance of corneal abrasion. Small particles of debris or dust adhered to the lens can scratch the delicate corneal surface when the lens is put back in. Additionally, if a lens is left out and allowed to dry, it can become brittle and lose its shape, making it uncomfortable and potentially causing mechanical damage upon reinsertion. A dried lens may also have a higher concentration of protein deposits, which can trigger an allergic response or irritation.
When You Must Discard the Lens
In certain situations, no amount of cleaning or disinfection is sufficient, and the lens must be thrown away to protect eye health. This is particularly true for daily disposable lenses, which are only designed for a single use. Once a daily disposable lens is removed from the eye, even briefly, its structure is not intended to withstand further cleaning or storage, and it must be discarded.
You must also discard a lens if it shows signs of physical damage, such as a tear, chip, or nick along the edge, as these imperfections can cause corneal injury. Furthermore, a lens dropped in a non-sterile environment—like on the floor, in a sink basin, or in tap water—should be thrown away because these environments harbor microbes that are difficult to eliminate. If you removed your lens because your eye was red, painful, or you suspected an infection, the lens is likely contaminated and must be discarded to prevent reintroducing infectious agents.