Contact lens wearers are at a higher risk for serious eye infections if they do not thoroughly clean and disinfect their lenses. Here’s how to properly clean your contacts to avoid an eye infection.
Start with Clean Hands
With COVID-19, you might be tired of hearing about how important it is to wash your hands often. But when it comes to handling your contact lenses, you should always make it a standard practice to first wash your hands with soap and water, rinse your hands, and then dry them with a lint-free towel. This will help reduce your risk of an eye infection from your contacts.
Only Use the Recommended Cleaning Solution
It is essential that you only use the cleaning solution recommended by your contacts’ manufacturer or your eye doctor. Make sure to read all warning labels and discuss with your eye care provider which cleaning and disinfecting method is best for you.
Always Clean and Disinfect
You must clean and disinfect your contacts any time that you remove them from your eyes before putting them back in. When not wearing your contacts for a long time, check your instructions to determine if you should re-disinfect them before wearing them again. Always re-disinfect if your lenses have sat in their case for 30 days or more.
Use the Rub and Rinse Method
The “rub and rinse” method of cleaning contacts is considered one of the best cleaning methods. With this method, you rub your contacts in the palm of one hand with the fingers of your other hand. Next, rinse each contact with solution before you soak them.
Don’t Forget to Clean Your Lens Case
Dirty lens cases can contaminate your contacts and cause an eye infection. Your lens case should be cleaned each time it is used. This can be done with hot tap water or sterile solution. It is important to let the case air dry after it is cleaned.
If you have questions regarding how to properly clean your contacts or think you might have an eye infection, do not hesitate to contact Valley Eyecare Center at (602) 955-2700 for an appointment.
