Proper Contact Lens Care and Cleaning

Importance of Contact Lens Care

Proper contact lens care is essential for maintaining eye health and preventing potentially serious infections. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, improper lens care is a leading risk factor for eye infections that can sometimes lead to serious eye damage and vision loss.

Regular cleaning and disinfection of your contact lenses:

• Removes microorganisms that can cause infections
• Clears away protein deposits, makeup, and other debris that can build up on lenses
• Ensures clear vision and comfortable wear
• Extends the life of your lenses (for non-daily disposables)
• Reduces the risk of complications that can damage your eyes

Daily Cleaning Routine

For Soft Contact Lenses

Follow these steps every time you remove your lenses:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, then dry them with a lint-free towel before touching your lenses.
2. Remove one lens and place it in the palm of your hand.
3. Apply a few drops of multipurpose solution or the cleaning solution recommended by your eye care professional.
4. Gently rub the lens with your fingertip in a back-and-forth motion for about 20 seconds on each side, even if you're using a "no-rub" solution.
5. Rinse the lens thoroughly with fresh solution.
6. Place the lens in your clean case and fill with fresh solution, completely covering the lens.
7. Repeat with the other lens, being careful not to mix them up.

For Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses

RGP lenses require special care:

1. Wash and dry your hands as with soft lenses.
2. Remove one lens and place it in the palm of your hand.
3. Apply a few drops of RGP cleaning solution (not multipurpose solution for soft lenses).
4. Rub the lens gently in circles with your fingertip for 20-30 seconds on each side.
5. Rinse thoroughly with the rinsing solution recommended for your lenses.
6. Place in storage case with fresh conditioning/soaking solution specifically for RGP lenses.
7. Repeat with the other lens.

Proper Storage

How you store your lenses is just as important as how you clean them. The lens case can be a breeding ground for bacteria if not properly maintained.

Solution Types

There are several types of solutions available:

• Multipurpose solution: Cleans, rinses, disinfects, and stores soft contact lenses
• Hydrogen peroxide solution: Provides deep cleaning and disinfection but requires neutralization before lens wear
• Saline solution: Used for rinsing only, not for disinfection or storage
• Daily cleaner: Removes proteins and other deposits but must be followed by disinfection
• RGP solutions: Specially formulated for rigid lenses

Case Care

To keep your lens case clean and safe:

• Rinse the case with fresh solution (not water) after each use
• Allow the case to air dry completely with the caps off, placed face down on a clean tissue
• Replace your lens case every three months, or sooner if damaged or dirty
• Never top off old solution with new solution
• Clean the case weekly by rubbing with clean fingers, rinsing with solution, and allowing to air dry

Handling Contact Lenses

Hand Washing

Proper hand washing is the first and most crucial step in contact lens care. Use a mild, fragrance-free soap, wash thoroughly, and dry with a clean, lint-free towel before handling your lenses.

Avoid soaps with oils, lotions, or perfumes, as these can transfer to your lenses and cause irritation or blurry vision.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Touching the tips of solution bottles to any surface
• Using saliva to wet or clean lenses (this introduces harmful bacteria)
• Using tap water on lenses or cases (water can contain Acanthamoeba, a microorganism that can cause serious eye infections)
• Wearing lenses while swimming or in hot tubs without protective goggles
• Transferring lenses from person to person
• Sleeping in lenses unless they're specifically approved for overnight wear

Replacement Schedules

Even with perfect care, contact lenses need to be replaced regularly. Following your prescribed replacement schedule is essential for eye health.

• Daily disposable lenses: Discard after each use; no cleaning required
• Bi-weekly lenses: Replace every two weeks, clean daily
• Monthly lenses: Replace every 30 days, clean daily
• Quarterly or annual RGP lenses: Replace as directed by your eye care professional, typically every 6-12 months

To learn more about when to replace your lenses, see our detailed article on signs it's time to replace your contact lenses.

Tracking Replacement Dates

To help remember when to replace your lenses:

• Mark your calendar or set phone reminders
• Use a contact lens app to track replacement dates
• Start new lenses on the first day of the month (for monthly lenses)
• Keep a schedule in your lens case or bathroom mirror

Solutions and Products

Choosing the Right Solution

Not all solutions work for all lenses or all people. Your eye care professional can recommend the best option for your specific lenses and eyes.

If you experience redness, irritation, or discomfort, you may need to switch solutions. Some people are sensitive to the preservatives in multipurpose solutions and may need to use hydrogen peroxide systems or preservative-free options.

What to Avoid

Never substitute or mix products that aren't specifically designed for contact lens care:

• Homemade saline solutions
• Tap or distilled water
• Saliva or any bodily fluids
• Rewetting drops as disinfectants
• Expired solutions
• Solutions prescribed for other people

Tips for Specific Lens Types

Daily Disposable Lenses

• Wash hands before handling
• Never reuse
• Keep a spare pair available
• No cleaning or solution needed

Extended Wear Lenses

• Follow your eye doctor's recommendations for how many nights you can safely wear them
• Remove at the first sign of redness or discomfort
• Give your eyes regular breaks from overnight wear
• Clean thoroughly after extended wear periods
• Attend all follow-up appointments to monitor eye health

What to Do in Case of Problems

Signs of Infection

Remove your contacts immediately and contact your eye doctor if you experience:

• Redness or pain in the eye
• Excessive tearing or discharge
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Blurred vision that doesn't clear when blinking
• The feeling that something is in your eye, even after lens removal
• Swelling of the eye or eyelid

When to See a Doctor

Don't hesitate to seek medical attention for eye problems related to contact lens use. Eye infections can progress rapidly, and prompt treatment is essential for preventing complications.

If you develop symptoms after hours, go to an emergency room or urgent care facility rather than waiting until your regular eye doctor is available.

Conclusion

Proper contact lens care is a small investment of time that pays huge dividends in eye health, vision quality, and comfort. By following these guidelines, you'll significantly reduce your risk of complications and enjoy the many benefits that contact lenses offer.

Remember that these care instructions are general guidelines. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your eye care professional and the lens manufacturer, as they may vary depending on your lens type and individual needs.

For more information on contact lens health, check out our articles on when to replace your lenses andpreventing dry eyes with contacts.