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Contact Lens Care & Hygiene: Cleaning, Storage & Safe Use Guide
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Contact Lens Care & Hygiene: Cleaning, Storage & Safe Use Guide
Proper care and hygiene are just as important as comfort when wearing contact lenses.
Contact lenses are medical devices that come into direct contact with the eye. For this reason, hands should be cleaned before handling lenses, reusable lenses should be cleaned with an appropriate contact lens solution, lens cases should be maintained regularly, and lenses should be replaced according to their recommended schedule.
In this Opticzade guide, you can find essential care steps covering lens cleaning, lens case hygiene, contact lens solution use and avoiding contact with water.
Hand Hygiene Before Touching Contact Lenses
The first step in contact lens care is clean hands. Before touching your lenses or lens case, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry them completely with a clean, lint-free towel.
Wash Your Hands
Wash your hands with soap and water before touching contact lenses.
Dry Them Completely
Wet fingers can make lenses harder to handle and may expose them to water.
Use a Clean Area
Insert and remove your lenses over a clean, well-lit surface.
How to Clean Contact Lenses
Daily disposable lenses should be discarded after removal. Monthly, 3-month and other reusable lenses should be cleaned and disinfected with an appropriate care system each time they are removed.
Place the Lens in Your Clean Palm
After removing the lens, place it in the palm of your clean, dry hand.
Apply an Appropriate Contact Lens Solution
Use a contact lens solution recommended for your lens and care system.
Rub and Rinse According to Instructions
Clean both sides of the lens with solution according to the care product instructions.
Place It in a Clean Lens Case
Place the right and left lenses in the correct compartments to avoid mixing them up.
Use Fresh Solution Every Time
Discard old solution from the lens case and always use fresh solution for storage.
Important Contact Lens Solution Tips
Do Not Reuse Old Solution
Do not mix old solution left in the lens case with fresh solution. Use fresh solution for every storage cycle.
Follow the Product Instructions
Not every care system is the same. Follow the cleaning and soaking instructions on the label of your contact lens solution.
Saline Is Not a Disinfectant
Saline may be used for rinsing in some care systems, but it does not disinfect contact lenses on its own.
Use the Special Case with Hydrogen Peroxide Systems
With hydrogen peroxide systems, only use the special neutralizing case supplied with the product and follow the product instructions.
Keep Contact Lenses Away from Water
Contact lenses should not come into contact with tap, shower, pool, sea or hot-tub water. Water exposure can allow microorganisms to reach the lens and may increase the risk of eye infection.
Remove Lenses Before Showering
Avoid showering while wearing contact lenses.
Avoid Wearing Lenses in Pools or the Sea
Prevent contact lenses from being exposed to water while swimming.
Do Not Rinse Lenses with Water
Do not clean or store contact lenses with tap water or drinking water.
Do Not Rinse the Lens Case with Water
Use the solution recommended for your care system when cleaning the lens case.
How Should a Contact Lens Case Be Cleaned?
The lens case requires regular care too. Used solution should not be left in the case, and the case should be kept clean and dry after each use.
Discard Used Solution
After inserting your lenses, empty all used solution from the case.
Clean with Contact Lens Solution
Rub and rinse the case with fresh contact lens solution; do not use water.
Allow the Case to Air-Dry
After emptying excess solution, leave the case upside down on a clean surface with the caps off to air-dry.
Replace the Lens Case Regularly
Replace the lens case approximately every three months or as often as recommended by your eye care professional.
Follow the Recommended Lens Replacement Schedule
Contact lenses may have daily, monthly, 3-month or other replacement schedules. Do not use lenses beyond the recommended replacement period.
Daily Disposable Lenses
They are removed at the end of the day and are not reused.
Reusable Contact Lenses
They should be cleaned, disinfected and stored in appropriate solution each time they are removed.
Do Not Extend the Replacement Period
Follow the replacement schedule stated on the product packaging or instructions.
Can You Sleep in Contact Lenses?
Do not sleep or nap in contact lenses unless the specific lens is approved for overnight wear and your eye care professional has recommended this wearing schedule.
Contact Lenses Are for Personal Use
Contact lenses should never be shared with another person. This applies to prescription, non-prescription and colored contact lenses.
Contact Lens Hygiene Checklist
When Should You Remove Your Contact Lenses?
Remove your lenses if any of the following symptoms occur, and consult an eye care professional if the problem continues:
Eye Pain
Persistent eye pain should not be ignored.
Persistent Redness
Stop wearing the lenses if redness persists or worsens.
Blurred Vision
Seek professional evaluation for sudden or persistent changes in vision.
Burning and Irritation
Remove the lens if you experience significant burning, stinging or excessive tearing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Contact Lens Care & Hygiene
Can contact lenses be rinsed with tap water?
No. Do not clean or store contact lenses with tap water, drinking water or other water. Use an appropriate contact lens solution for lens care.
Can contact lens solution be reused?
No. Used solution should be discarded and fresh solution should be used for every storage cycle.
How often should a contact lens case be replaced?
General care guidance recommends replacing the lens case approximately every three months or as often as advised by your eye care professional.
Can you shower with contact lenses?
It is recommended to remove contact lenses before showering to avoid water exposure.
Is colored contact lens care different?
Colored contact lenses require the same hygiene, appropriate solution, proper storage and replacement schedule practices as other contact lenses.
Can you sleep in contact lenses?
Only when the lens is approved for overnight wear and your eye care professional has recommended this use. Otherwise, lenses should be removed before sleeping.
A Healthy Contact Lens Routine Starts with Proper Care
Use your contact lenses according to your prescription and professional guidance, follow the product's cleaning and replacement instructions, and make hygiene part of your daily routine.
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