How to Clean Contacts: 10 Easy and Effective Tips

Wearing contact lenses can be incredibly convenient, but maintaining proper hygiene is essential to avoid eye infections and ensure the best vision quality. If you wear contacts, you know how important it is to clean them properly to extend their lifespan and protect your eye health. Here are 10 easy and effective tips on how to clean your contact lenses:

 

1. Wash Your Hands Before Touching Your Contacts

Before handling your contact lenses, always wash your hands with soap and water. This minimizes the risk of transferring bacteria, dirt, or oils from your hands to the lenses. Make sure to dry your hands with a clean, lint-free towel.

 

2. Use the Right Solution

Never use water or saliva to clean your contact lenses. Always use a sterile contact lens solution recommended by your eye care professional. The solution is specially formulated to disinfect and clean your lenses, preventing infections and irritations.

 

3. Clean the Case Regularly

Your contact lens case is a breeding ground for bacteria if not cleaned regularly. After each use, rinse the case with fresh contact lens solution and leave it open to air dry. Replace your case every 1-3 months to ensure it's hygienic.

 

4. Rub Your Lenses While Cleaning

Even if you’re using a no-rub solution, gently rub your lenses with your fingers while cleaning them. This will help remove dirt, protein buildup, and other debris from the surface of your contacts. Follow the instructions on your solution for the best results.

 

5. Replace Your Lens Solution Frequently

Don’t reuse the contact lens solution. After cleaning your lenses, dispose of the solution in the case and add fresh solution each time. Reusing solution can introduce bacteria and increase the risk of eye infections.

 

6. Clean Lenses Before Inserting

Always clean your contact lenses before inserting them into your eyes, even if they’re stored in fresh solution. This ensures that they’re free from any buildup or contaminants that may have accumulated during storage.

Lens cleaner: https://www.icoice.com/collections/lens-cleaner

 

7. Avoid Touching the Lens Surface

Try not to touch the surface of the contact lens with your fingers. This can transfer oils, dirt, or bacteria to the lens. Use the designated “pocket” of your palm to handle the lens whenever possible, ensuring your fingers stay as clean as possible.

 

8. Store Contacts in a Proper Solution

When you're not wearing your contact lenses, always store them in the appropriate contact lens solution. This keeps them moist, clean, and ready for use. Avoid using water or saline solution as they don’t disinfect the lenses properly.

 

9. Give Your Eyes a Break

Avoid wearing your contact lenses every single day. Giving your eyes a break and wearing glasses occasionally can reduce the risk of dryness, irritation, or potential eye infections. Plus, this will help you avoid over-wearing your contacts and give your eyes time to recover.

 

10. Follow Your Eye Care Professional’s Guidelines

Lastly, it’s always essential to follow the cleaning instructions provided by your eye care professional or the lens manufacturer. If you have any concerns about your contacts or their cleaning process, don’t hesitate to consult your optometrist for guidance.

 

Conclusion

Proper care and cleaning of your contact lenses are crucial for maintaining eye health and ensuring comfortable wear. By following these 10 simple and effective tips, you can keep your lenses clean, your eyes healthy, and avoid potential issues like irritation or infection. Always prioritize hygiene, and if in doubt, consult your eye care provider for advice tailored to your specific needs.

 

Related article:

How To Safely Use Coloured Contact Lenses? 5 Tips For Safety Wear

Can You Reuse Colored Contacts Lenses?