Want healthy eyes while using contact lenses? Start here:
- Clean your lenses daily: Wash your hands, rub and rinse lenses with fresh solution – never use tap water.
- Store lenses properly: Use fresh solution, clean your case daily, and replace it every 3 months.
- Avoid risky behaviors: Don’t sleep in lenses, expose them to water, or wear them if sick or in dusty environments.
- Know the warning signs: Redness, pain, blurry vision, or unusual discharge? Remove lenses and see your eye doctor.
Quick Tips for Comfort and Safety:
- Use the right solution for your lens type (e.g., multipurpose or hydrogen peroxide).
- Follow wear time limits based on your lens type (8–16 hours max).
- Address discomfort with lubricating drops or by taking breaks with glasses.
Proper care is simple but crucial to avoid infections and keep your eyes healthy. Follow these steps daily and consult your eye doctor for any concerns.
Contact lens habits you NEED to have | Optometrist Explains
Contact Lens Cleaning Methods
Keeping your contact lenses clean is crucial for preventing infections and maintaining clear vision. Follow these steps and choose the right solutions to keep your lenses in top condition.
Basic Cleaning Steps
Did you know that between 40% and 90% of contact lens users mishandle their cleaning solution? This can greatly increase the risk of eye infections.
Here’s the cleaning routine recommended by eye care professionals:
- Hand Preparation: Start by washing your hands with antibacterial soap and drying them with a lint-free towel.
- Lens Cleaning: Place the lens in your palm, add fresh solution, and gently rub it for 15 seconds – even if you’re using a “no-rub” solution. This helps remove debris and germs.
- Proper Rinsing: After rubbing, rinse the lens with fresh solution. Never use tap water – it can harbor harmful microorganisms, including those that cause serious infections like Acanthamoeba keratitis.
Once cleaned, it’s time to choose the right solution for your lenses.
“Improper handling and cleaning of contact lenses is a major source of eye infections and other problems. So make cleaning and disinfecting them part of your daily routine when you remove your lenses at the end of the day.” – CooperVision
Lens Solution Types
The type of solution you use plays a big role in keeping your eyes safe. Here’s a quick overview:
| Solution Type | Primary Functions | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Multipurpose | Cleans, disinfects, conditions, stores | Daily wear lenses |
| Hydrogen Peroxide | Disinfects without preservatives | Sensitive eyes |
| Saline | Rinsing only | Scleral lenses |
Multipurpose Solutions (MPS) handle cleaning, disinfecting, conditioning, and storing your lenses. These solutions contain preservatives to maintain sterility.
Hydrogen Peroxide Solutions are great for those with sensitivities to preservatives. However, they require a special neutralization process and a designated case for safe use.
Important Safety Tips
- Replace your lens case every three months.
- Always use fresh solution for storing lenses.
- Clean and empty your lens case every morning.
Storing Contact Lenses
After cleaning your lenses thoroughly, storing them the right way is just as important for keeping your eyes safe and healthy.
Storage Tips
Storing your contact lenses correctly helps protect your eyes and lowers the risk of infections. Always use fresh contact lens solution when storing them – never mix old solution with new, as this reduces its effectiveness and increases the chance of bacteria growth.
Here’s what you should do:
- Clean your lens case daily: Rub and rinse it with fresh contact lens solution (never use water).
- Empty and dry the case: Pour out any leftover solution and dry the case with a clean tissue.
- Store the case upside down: Place it on a clean tissue with the caps off to allow air circulation.
If you’re using a hydrogen peroxide system, always use the case provided and give it 4–6 hours to neutralize before wearing your lenses.
Best Places to Store Lenses
Keep your lenses in a clean, dry spot, away from humidity. Avoid storing them near sinks or in bathrooms, as these areas are prone to moisture and bacteria.
When traveling:
- Pack fresh contact lens solution to ensure proper storage.
- Use saline solution only as a short-term option – it doesn’t disinfect.
- Never store lenses in water or household liquids.
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Daily Lens Wear Guidelines
Taking care of your eyes starts with proper contact lens use.
Wear Time Limits
The amount of time you can comfortably wear contact lenses varies by type. Some lenses are safe for up to 16 hours, while others should only be worn for about 8 hours.
Here’s a quick guide to recommended wear times:
| Lens Type | Maximum Daily Wear Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Disposables | About 8 hours | Great option for beginners |
| Bi-weekly/Monthly | 10–12 hours (remove 1–2 hours before bed) | Always follow your eye doctor’s advice |
| Extended Wear | Up to 16 hours | Tolerance varies from person to person |
If you’re new to wearing contacts, start slow – about 8 hours on the first day – to let your eyes adapt. Pay attention to any discomfort, and take them out if needed.
Unsafe Lens Activities
Many contact lens users unknowingly engage in risky behaviors that can harm their eyes.
- Contact with Water
Avoid exposing your lenses to water. This includes swimming, showering, or using tap water. Water can introduce bacteria and other harmful pathogens.
Tip: Skip water sports or use protective goggles if you must participate. - Sleeping with Lenses
Sleeping in contacts dramatically increases the risk of eye infections – by 6 to 8 times. Only sleep in lenses if your eye doctor has prescribed extended-wear types. - Dusty or Dirty Environments
Avoid wearing lenses in areas with high levels of dust or dirt unless you have proper protection. - During Illness or Allergies
If you’re sick, dealing with allergies, or experiencing eye irritation, it’s better to stick with glasses.
To keep your eyes comfortable, stay hydrated and give your eyes a break by switching to glasses, especially if you spend long hours in front of a screen.
“Water increases the risk of bacteria and other pathogens contaminating your lenses.” – NVISION Centers
Avoiding Eye Infections
Clean Handling Steps
Always wash your hands with soap and water, then dry them with a lint-free cloth before touching your lenses.
Here’s how to properly clean and care for your lenses:
| Step | Action | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Solution Use | Use fresh contact solution every time | Never reuse or “top off” old solution |
| 2. Lens Cleaning | Gently rub and rinse each lens with solution | Clean both sides thoroughly |
| 3. Case Care | Rinse your lens case with solution daily | Let it air dry upside down |
| 4. Regular Replacement | Replace your lens case every 3 months |
Stick to the solution recommended by your provider – avoid using water or saliva, as these can introduce harmful bacteria.
Follow these steps every time to minimize the risk of infections.
Infection Warning Signs
Even with proper care, infections can still occur, so it’s important to recognize the early warning signs.
Watch for these symptoms:
- Red, irritated eyes
- Persistent or worsening eye pain, even after removing lenses
- Sudden blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Watery eyes or unusual discharge
Check your lenses for contamination:
- Dark or brown spots (potential bacteria growth)
- Brownish-orange spots (may result from water exposure)
- Raised bumps or “jelly bumps” (usually protein deposits)
- A cloudy film on the lens surface
If you notice any of these signs, remove your lenses immediately and consult your eye doctor. Keep a backup pair of glasses ready in case you need to stop wearing contacts while addressing the issue.
Fixing Lens Discomfort
Why Lenses Feel Bad
Discomfort with contact lenses is a common issue. Here are some typical causes:
| Cause | Symptoms | Common Triggers |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Eyes | Burning; scratchy feeling | Extended screen time; air conditioning |
| Poor Fit | Irritation after hours of wear | Outdated lens prescription |
| Allergies | Itching; redness | Pollen; dust; seasonal changes |
| Hygiene Issues | General discomfort; cloudy vision | Improper cleaning; old solution |
| Environmental | Burning; foreign body sensation | Smoke; dust; wind exposure |
Pinpointing the cause helps in finding the right solution.
Making Lenses Feel Better
Here are ways to ease discomfort:
- For Dry Eyes
Use lubricating eye drops made for contact lenses. Apply them before putting in your lenses and as needed throughout the day. - For Poor Fit
Visit your eye doctor to check the fit of your lenses with corneal mapping and update your prescription if necessary. - For Allergies
Opt for allergy-friendly lenses during allergy season. If recommended by your eye doctor, use antihistamine eye drops that are safe for lens wearers.
“Always, seek the advice of your eye doctor for the most effective treatment for your symptoms.”
– Dr. Russel Lazarus
Additional tips:
- Replace your lenses as scheduled.
- Always use fresh solution when storing your lenses.
- Give your eyes breaks by switching to glasses occasionally.
- If discomfort lasts more than a day, remove your lenses and consult your eye doctor.
Conclusion
Sticking to a strict lens care routine is essential for keeping your eyes safe and comfortable.
“By following your eye care provider’s instructions on how to properly wear, clean, and store your lenses, you can enjoy comfort and lower your chances of complications”
To safeguard your vision, focus on these practices:
| Care Practice | Importance |
|---|---|
| Washing Hands | Stops bacteria from spreading |
| Using Fresh Solution | Ensures lenses are disinfected |
| Cleaning the Case | Lowers contamination risk |
| Regular Eye Checkups | Confirms lenses fit properly |
These habits – clean hands, fresh solutions, and regular exams – can make a big difference in preventing issues. A quick daily routine and routine checkups help keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear.
Don’t wait – schedule your next exam today to stay on top of your eye health.