Remember the saying that sharing is caring? That is not the case with contact lenses. Sharing your contact lenses, if only for a minute, could feel OK, but it’s a big no-no. In this post, we’re going to go all in on the risk of sharing contact lenses, and by the end you’ll know exactly why it’s one of those things you don’t want to do. Not even once.

The Quick Answer: Just Don’t

Sharing contact lenses is dangerous, unsafe, and can cause various eye health issues of various sorts, including serious ones. You wouldn’t share your toothbrush, would you? Contact lenses are no less, if not, more personal. They are placed directly on your eyeball, where they catch bacteria, oil and dirt. To pass them from one body to the next is a recipe for an eye infection — or worse.

But let’s deconstruct this a bit further.

Why Sharing Contact Lenses is a Bad Idea: A Close Look at the Risks

Now before you say, "What’s the worst that could happen?" Here are a few reasons why it’s not just bad sense to share contact lenses — it’s harmful.

1. Bacterial Infections

One of the biggest risks of sharing contact lenses is transferring germs and bacteria. The eyes, just like the rest of our bodies, are drenched with bacteria. You also deposit some of this bacteria on your lenses while you’re wearing contacts. Normally this bacteria isn’t really a problem for you, it’s your body's normal way of dealing with it. But put somebody else’s bacteria in? Well, that’s another issue.

Sharing contacts may also cause severe infections such as conjunctivitis (pink eye), or worse, a bacterial infection of the cornea that could result in irreversible damage or even blindness.

2. Viral Infections

It’s not just bacteria you need to be concerned with. Viruses can also be easily spread through contact lenses. You’ve probably heard of cold sores, brought on by the herpes simplex virus. What you may not know is that it can also spread to the eyes (in what’s known as ocular herpes). If you wear the same lenses as someone else who has the virus unintentionally, you might contract a debilitating eye disease. And believe me, you don’t want to deal with that.

3. Eye Irritation and Allergies

Even if you never get an infection, your eyes may still get itchy or irritated. Lenses are constructed to conform to the curve of your particular eye. Sharing lenses can cause pain, blurred vision or corneal abrasions – tiny incisions on the cornea that can become permanent if not corrected.

And then there are the allergic reactions. Everyone’s sensitivities differ. Your friend’s contact solution might trigger an allergic reaction in your eyes and make them red, itchy and swollen.

4. Cross-Contamination of Eye Conditions

Some people put contact lenses on to correct an eye condition such as astigmatism or myopia; others use them for specific conditions such as dry eye. If you wear the lenses of a person who has an eye disease, you’re likely to transfer that disease to your own eyes. It can make your vision worse and treatment more challenging over the long term.

“But I Only Tried Them for a Minute…”

And you may be thinking, "Why don’t I wear them for a couple of seconds to see if they would suit me?" Well, here’s the thing: Wearing someone’s contacts for one minute or an hour and the risk is the same. If you’ve already put someone else’s lenses in your eyes, you’ve already shared their bacteria, viruses and germs.

Consider this: would you wear somebody’s underpants? Probably not. Even contact lenses are personal.

The “But We’re Family” Argument

Now, I get it. Sometimes it feels like the rules don’t apply when it comes to close family. Maybe you share clothes, makeup, or even drinks with your siblings or partner. However, when it comes to contact lenses, the same risks apply — even for family.

Your eyes are distinctive — and so is the bacteria around and in them. And just because you are genetically related to someone doesn’t make your eyes the same or impervious to disease. Avoid the "family exception" loop — the stakes are too high.

The Hidden Dangers of Coloured Contacts

For a second, let's talk about coloured contact lenses. They are super fun for Halloween, or just to change things up. And, because they’re not prescription, people assume they’re "safe" to share. But coloured lenses are, in fact, just as dangerous as standard contact lenses.

Even these lenses can harbor bacteria and germs and since people don’t wear them as often, people do not clean or store them with as much care as they should. What’s more, sharing coloured lenses could create all the same issues we’ve already discussed.

How to Protect Your Eyes (and Your Contacts)

Since we now know it is a no-no to exchange contacts, how should you care for your own lenses and your eyes?

Don’t Wear Anything Other Than Your Prescription – Wear only lenses prescribed for your eyes.

Apply The Correct Cleaning Solution – Use the prescribed solution and never soap or saliva (yes, people do it!).

Check Your Replacement Schedule – If you have daily, weekly, or monthly lenses then replace them on time.

Hands First – Always wash your hands before handling your lenses so you don’t pass on the bacteria.

What to Do If You’ve Shared Lenses Before

OK, so maybe you’ve never heard all of this, and you have shared contacts. In that case, don’t freak out, but do note the sensations in your eyes. If you feel redness, itchiness, or see something different, visit an eye doctor. It’s better to detect any signs of infection early before they become serious.

Protect Your Eyes, Protect Your Health

Your eyes are precious, and contact lenses make a wonderful tool to assist you in your vision. But they’re also medical devices to be maintained, monitored and used correctly. Contacts are easy to share but the consequences are too great to risk.

The next time you’re tempted to give someone else yours or beg for it, please keep in mind that the health of your eyes counts far more than any quick fix or flash. Don’t share your contacts and your eyes will love you for it!