How to Clean and Disinfect Contact Lenses Properly

Contact lenses can provide patients with nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism freedom from glasses and crisp, clear vision. However, they come with their own set of responsibilities, especially when it comes to cleaning.

To protect the health of your eyes and maintain clear vision, you should follow a thorough contact lens cleaning routine. Keep reading to learn more about how to clean and disinfect contact lenses properly.

Why Proper Contact Lens Cleaning is Important

If you wear monthly or reusable contact lenses, practicing good daily hygiene is essential to protecting the health of your eyes. Proper contact lens cleaning helps to remove germs, debris, and deposits that can lead to injury or infection.

Additionally, contact lenses that are old or don’t fit well have the potential to scratch your eye or cause blood vessels to grow in the cornea. These hazards could impact your vision, meaning it’s vital to make sure you don’t wear ill-fitting or old lenses.

How to Clean Your Contact Lenses Properly

While your specific contact lens care routine will likely depend on the type of lenses you’ve been prescribed and how often you wear them, you can follow these 6 general care steps to reduce your risk of infection and maintain good lens hygiene:

1. Empty Your Contact Lens Case

The first step in your contact cleaning routine should be to empty the old contact lens solution out of your contact lens case.

2. Rinse and Let Dry

Using a sterile contact lens solution, rinse your case and place it upside down on a clean towel to air dry. You should never use tap water to clean your contact lens case.

3. Refill with Sterile Solution

After the case has dried, refill it with new solution. You should not reuse or “top off” the old solution.

4. Wash Your Hands

Using soap and warm water, thoroughly wash your hands and dry them with a lint-free towel.

5. Use the “Rub and Rinse” Method

Carefully remove your contact lenses and rub them with clean fingers. Rinse them with sterile solution and place them in your contact lens case.

6. Replace Your Contact Case

You should replace your contact lens case at least every three months or immediately if it gets damaged or cracked.

Can I Shower with Contacts In?

You should not shower, swim, or go in a hot tub while wearing contacts. You should avoid doing anything that risks water getting in your eyes.

Can I Sleep with Contacts In?

You should never sleep with contacts in. Whether you wear daily or monthly lenses, always remove them before going to bed.

Can I Use Eye Drops with Contact Lenses?

Do not use any eye drops that are not approved for contact lens wear, as they can damage the lens and your eye. However, preservative-free eye drops are typically safe to use with contact lenses.

Why Can’t I Use Tap Water to Wash or Store my Contacts?

Tap water contains microorganisms and germs that can cause serious eye infections and have the potential to damage your vision. You should always use a sterile contact lens solution to avoid contamination and reduce your risk of infection.

How Often Should I Get an Eye Exam for Contacts?

If you wear contact lenses, you should attend eye exams every year. Your eye doctor will not only check your prescription to ensure it’s up-to-date but also examine your eyes and ask questions about how your contact lenses are feeling.

If you’re experiencing any discomfort with your contact lenses, it can be a great time to consider other types or brands or switch to glasses.

Do you want to learn more about caring for your contact lenses? Schedule an appointment at Mid Ohio Eye in Colombus, OH, today!