To properly clean your contact lenses, you must rub and rinse them with fresh solution every time you remove them and store them in a fresh solution.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Contact Lenses
Here's a detailed guide on how to clean your contact lenses effectively:
-
Preparation:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Dry your hands with a lint-free towel.
- Gather your contact lens case and cleaning solution.
-
Removal and Cleaning:
- Carefully remove one contact lens at a time from your eye.
- Place the lens in the palm of your clean hand.
- Rub and rinse the lens gently with a few drops of fresh contact lens solution. Rubbing helps to remove deposits and debris.
- Rinse the lens again thoroughly with the same fresh solution.
-
Storing:
- Open your contact lens case.
- Empty the old solution from the case.
- Never mix fresh solution with old solution, as this reduces the effectiveness of disinfection.
- Place the cleaned lens into the appropriate well of your contact lens case.
- Fill the lens case with enough fresh contact lens solution to fully submerge the lens.
- Repeat the cleaning process for your other contact lens.
-
Contact Lens Case Care:
- Always empty the old solution after each use.
- Rub and rinse the contact lens storage case with fresh solution after emptying it.
- Never use water to clean your contact lens case as it may contain harmful microorganisms that can cause eye infections.
- Allow your case to air dry between uses.
Key Things to Remember
- Always use fresh contact lens solution. Avoid reusing or "topping off" old solution with new.
- Never use tap water to clean or store your contact lenses or case.
- Replace your contact lens case regularly, ideally every three months, or as recommended by your eye care professional.
- Follow your eye care professional's specific instructions for cleaning and caring for your contact lenses.
By following these steps diligently, you will ensure the proper cleaning and care of your contact lenses, promoting eye health and comfortable vision.
