If you wear contact lenses, it’s vitally important to clean them properly every day. Left uncleaned, bacteria can build up on lenses that will lead to nasty eye infections. In addition, it’s not hard for tiny bits of dust or grime to end up on the lenses, causing scratches on your eyes or eyelids.
So let’s talk about how to care for your contact lenses and ensure they’re always safe to wear!
The Basics of Cleaning Contact Lenses
In most cases, regardless of whether you have hard or soft contact lenses, the basic cleaning process will be the same. All you really need are the cases the lenses came with, and a bottle of multipurpose lens cleaning solution.
- Thoroughly wash and dry your hands. If your hands are dirty, you could transfer that grime onto the lenses rather than cleaning them.
- Put fresh cleaning solution in the lens cases. Never let old cleaning solution sit in the case; it can also go bad and develop bacteria.
- Put a few drops of cleaning solution in your palm. Don’t overdo it, you only need a little.
- Rub the lenses around in your palm. Use your fingertip – not the nail – to gently rub both sides of the lens, to ensure all dirt is removed.
- Rinse the lenses with a direct squirt of cleaner. This helps ensure no dirt transfers from your hand to the lenses.
- Store the lenses in their case until next time. Your lenses should only ever be stored in the case that came with them, full of cleaning solution.
Other Issues With Cleaning Contact Lenses
One question we occasionally hear is what to do if you’re allergic to typical multipurpose lens cleaner, which can happen.
In this case, simply use a hydrogen peroxide-based cleaning system. These come with their own lens cases which allow the peroxide to convert into saline solution overnight. Otherwise, there could be some (non-harmful) burning when you put the lenses in.
Speaking of saline solution, it should not be used as a cleaning agent by itself. Saline does not clean the lenses; it merely gives them a protective liquid for storage in between uses.
If you have any other questions about using contact lenses, or it’s time for a new prescription, Valley Eyecare Center is here for you! Our expert optometrists can ensure you get the perfect contact lenses for your needs. Please contact us us to schedule an appointment.
