Did you know that even a tiny amount of oil on a contact lens can be impossible to remove, and even ruin the lens?

It's not hard to understand why. Oil repels water -- and contact lens need stay wet to be comfortable.

Here are six tips to eliminate or greatly reduce oils and keep your contacts in great shape:

1. Avoid soaps with moisturizers, aloe, perfumes, or fragrances. Good old Ivory has always been a mainstay for contact lens wearers. Better yet -- use an antibacterial soap that's oil or moisturizer-free.

2. RInse your hands thoroughly with water -- epecially after applying creams and lotions to other parts of your body.

3. Use water-based makeup. Oil-based will be just-about impossible to remove.

4. Close your eyes when using any sprays -- hairsprays, deodorants, etc.

5. Use a separate daily cleaner after contact lens use. These cleaners are formulated to remove oils and prevent build-up.