How Do You Clean Lens Contacts?

To properly clean your contact lenses, follow these steps:

Steps for Cleaning Contact Lenses

Cleaning your contact lenses involves a simple yet crucial process to maintain eye health and prevent infections. Here's a detailed breakdown:

Wash and Dry Your Hands: Before handling your contact lenses, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water. Dry them completely with a lint-free towel. This is the most important step to avoid transferring dirt and bacteria to your lenses and eyes.
Prepare Your Lens Case: Empty your contact lens case and rinse it with fresh disinfecting solution (never use tap water, as it can contain harmful microorganisms). Then, fill each chamber of the clean case with fresh disinfecting solution. Always use fresh solution each time you store your lenses.
Rub and Rinse the First Lens: Take out the first contact lens. Place it in the palm of your clean, dry hand. Apply a few drops of disinfecting solution specifically designed for contact lenses. Gently rub the lens with your fingertip for about 20 seconds, ensuring you clean all surfaces. This removes debris and protein deposits. After rubbing, rinse the lens thoroughly with more disinfecting solution.
Store the Lens: Place the cleaned and rinsed contact lens into the prepared storage case, ensuring it's fully submerged in the solution. Close the chamber tightly.
Repeat for the Other Lens: Follow steps 3 and 4 for the remaining contact lens.

Use the Right Solution: Always use the contact lens solution recommended by your eye care professional. Different solutions are designed for different types of lenses, and using the wrong solution can damage your lenses or irritate your eyes. Never use tap water or saliva to clean or store your lenses.
Clean the Lens Case Regularly: Rinse your contact lens case daily with disinfecting solution and allow it to air dry upside down. Replace your contact lens case at least every three months to prevent bacterial buildup.
Follow Your Eye Doctor's Instructions: Adhere to the specific cleaning instructions provided by your eye care professional. They may have recommendations tailored to your individual needs and lens type.
Don't Wear Damaged Lenses: Inspect your lenses before each use. If you notice any tears, rips, or damage, discard the lens and use a fresh one. Wearing damaged lenses can cause discomfort and increase the risk of eye infections.
Avoid Sleeping in Contacts (Unless Approved): Unless your eye doctor specifically prescribes lenses for overnight wear and instructs you on their care, remove your contact lenses before sleeping. Sleeping in lenses increases the risk of infection.
Consult Your Eye Doctor: If you experience any eye irritation, redness, or discomfort, remove your contact lenses and consult your eye care professional immediately.