How To Clean Contact Lenses Properly
Did you know that almost 90 percent of contact lens wearers do not clean their lenses correctly? Improper care is one of the leading causes of eye irritation, infections, and vision problems.
Learning how to clean contact lenses properly is simple, but it requires consistency and good hygiene. Follow this step-by-step guide to keep your lenses safe, clear, and comfortable.
Cleaning Contact Lenses: Before You Start
What is the first thing you need to understand about how to clean contact lenses?
First, ensure that your clean lenses will still be safe to wear. Your contacts should have their lifespan listed on the packaging. If you see that the lenses are out of date, toss them.
If you're wearing 1-day lenses, throw them out at the end of the day. Sleeping with your lenses could lead to an infection, and it's not very comfortable, anyway!
If you're wearing extended wear contacts, you'll need to clean them at least once a week.
If you're wearing standard contact lenses, you'll need to clean them every day and remove them at night.
Only clean your contacts with contact lens cleaner solution. Clean and disinfect them with the right solution to avoid damaging the lenses.
Finally, make sure that you've thoroughly washed your hands with soap and water.
How to Clean Contact Lenses With Contact Lenses Solution
First, rinse out your contact lens case and put some contact lens solution in each of the compartments. Putting your lenses in the case, instead of resting them on your sink or on a napkin, reduces the risk of picking up debris.
Once your lenses are in the solution, take a look at each one to check for signs of damage. You should also make sure that there isn't any dirt left on the lenses. This is an especially important step if you've realized that your eyes have been watering or itching more than usual.
It goes without saying that, if the lenses have tears or look very damaged, you'll need to throw them out.
Make sure that you're only using contact lens cleaners for daily cleaning and overnight storage. Also, ensure that the cleaner is compatible with either hard or soft lens types.
Cleaning Each Lens
Once you've finished checking your lenses for damage, it's time to actually clean them.
Put the lens on the palm of your hand using one finger, and make sure that the part you put on your eye is facing you. Put a single drop of your solution on the lens, and leave it for only about 5 seconds. Move your lens forward and backward, and then to the side, with your finger.
Then, place your contact lenses back in their individual compartment.
Never put two lenses on the same side of your contacts case. Screw the lids on tightly to ensure that everything stays put.
The final step?
Once you've closed the case, shake it up and down to make sure the solution covers the lenses.
Doing so will help to jostle any sort of stubborn dirt and debris loose that you may not have been able to spot on your own.
Extra Tips for Wearing Contact Lenses
One of the most important habits for safe lens wear is using fresh solution every time. Never “top off” old liquid. Even if it looks clean, yesterday’s solution has already lost much of its disinfecting power and may contain bacteria that put your eyes at risk. If you travel often, do not pour solution into smaller bottles either. This can contaminate it. Instead, buy sealed travel-size bottles that are designed to stay sterile.
It is also smart to always keep a pair of backup glasses on hand. Even if you rarely wear them, glasses give your eyes a break and provide a safe option if your lenses become damaged, uncomfortable, or lost.
Other helpful practices to keep in mind include:
- Avoid sleeping in lenses unless they are specifically approved for extended wear and recommended by your optometrist.
- Replace your contact lens case at least every three months to prevent bacteria buildup.
- Schedule regular eye exams so your prescription and fit stay accurate and your eye health is monitored.
By combining these simple habits with daily cleaning, you can reduce your risk of infection and enjoy clearer, more comfortable vision.
Looking to Buy Contact Lenses Online?
It's important to develop good hygiene habits. Experienced lens wearers and those new to contacts alike should follow the above cleaning rules.
Of course, we know that you're also looking for ways to save money on your contact lenses.
We can help you with that! Check out the lenses currently on sale.
You can also find different brands and types of lenses on our website, including colour contact lenses, and of course, more helpful advice on our blog.
We hope this post has helped you understand how to clean contact lenses the right way. It might seem complicated at first, But, practice makes perfect!
FAQs: Cleaning Contact Lenses
How Do I Clean Contact Lenses at Home?
Wash your hands, use fresh multipurpose solution, rub the lens in your palm with solution for 20 seconds, rinse, and store in a clean case with new solution.
Can I Wash My Contacts With Water?
No. Water contains bacteria and microorganisms that can attach to your lenses and cause infections. Always use contact lens solution.
How Often Should I Clean My Lenses?
Daily wear lenses should be cleaned every night before storage. Extended wear lenses should be cleaned as recommended by your eye doctor.
Can I Use Eye Drops To Clean Contacts?
No. Eye drops relieve dryness but do not disinfect lenses. Only contact lens solution can properly clean and sanitize them.
What Happens if I Do Not Clean My Contacts Properly?
Dirty lenses can cause eye irritation, blurry vision, and serious infections such as keratitis. In severe cases, this can lead to vision loss.
How to Clean Contact Lenses
Step 1: Prepare Your Lens Case
- Empty out yesterday’s solution.
- Rinse the case with fresh solution (never water).
- Fill each compartment with new solution.
Keeping your lens case clean is just as important as cleaning the lenses themselves. Replace the case every three months.
Step 2: Clean Each Lens
- Place one lens in the palm of your hand.
- Apply 2 to 3 drops of fresh solution.
- Gently rub the lens with your fingertip in small circles for 15–20 seconds.
- Rinse again with solution.
This rub and rinse method removes proteins, oils, and debris more effectively than soaking alone.
Step 3: Store Lenses Correctly
- Place each lens into its designated case compartment.
- Ensure lenses are not touching or sharing the same side.
- Close the lids tightly.
- Gently shake the case to ensure the solution covers both lenses completely.
Keeping your lens case clean is just as important as cleaning the lenses themselves. Replace the case every three months.
