Contact lenses provide millions of people with clear vision without the limitations of traditional eyeglasses. However, proper contact lens care is essential for maintaining optimal eye health and ensuring your lenses provide the best possible vision.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about proper contact lens cleaning, from selecting the right solutions to avoiding common mistakes that could compromise your eye health.
Why Proper Contact Lens Cleaning Matters
Contact lenses sit directly on the eye, making them susceptible to protein deposits, lipids, and bacterial buildup throughout the day. Without proper cleaning and disinfection, these contaminants can lead to serious complications, including eye infections, corneal scratches, and reduced lens comfort.
Stahl EyeCare Experts’ contact lens specialists emphasize that cleaning your lenses isn’t just about maintaining clarity, but it’s also about protecting your vision and preventing potentially sight-threatening conditions. Regular, thorough cleaning removes harmful bacteria and deposits that can accumulate on lens surfaces, ensuring your eyes remain healthy and comfortable.
The consequences of inadequate lens care can be severe. Eye infections from contaminated lenses can cause pain, redness, discharge, and in extreme cases, permanent vision loss.
Additionally, protein and lipid deposits can make lenses uncomfortable to wear and reduce their optical quality, leading to blurred vision and eye strain.
Step-by-Step Contact Lens Cleaning Guide
The contact lens specialists at Stahl EyeCare Experts recommend the following comprehensive cleaning routine:
1. Wash Your Hands
Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, then dry them with a lint-free towel before handling contact lenses. This simple step prevents the transfer of bacteria and debris from your hands to your lenses and eyes.
2.”Rub and Rinse”
Remove one lens and place it in the palm of your clean hand. Apply a few drops of your recommended lens solution to the lens surface.
Using your fingertip, gently rub the lens in a circular motion for 10-15 seconds on each side. This mechanical cleaning action, known as the “rub and rinse” method, is crucial for removing stubborn deposits that soaking alone cannot eliminate.
After rubbing, rinse the lens thoroughly with fresh solution to remove loosened debris and cleaning residue. Never use tap water, saliva, or any non-sterile liquid for rinsing, as these can introduce harmful microorganisms to your lenses.
3. Store
Place the cleaned lens in your storage case filled with fresh multipurpose solution. Never reuse old solution or “top off” existing solution with new solution, as this reduces the disinfecting effectiveness.
Repeat this process for your second lens, ensuring each lens is stored in its designated compartment.
4. Soak
Allow your lenses to soak for the minimum time recommended by the solution manufacturer, typically at least four hours or overnight. This soaking period ensures complete disinfection and helps maintain lens hydration.
Common Contact Lens Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced contact lens wearers can fall into habits that compromise lens safety and effectiveness. Understanding these common mistakes can help you maintain proper lens hygiene and avoid potential complications:
Water Exposure
One of the most dangerous mistakes is using water to clean or store contact lenses. Tap water, even when it appears clean, can contain harmful microorganisms, including Acanthamoeba, which can cause severe eye infections.
Never rinse your lenses with water, swim while wearing contacts, or shower with your lenses in.
Solution Misuse
Using expired solutions, mixing different solution types, or diluting solutions with water significantly reduces their effectiveness. Always check expiration dates and replace solutions regularly.
Additionally, never transfer solution to smaller containers, as this can introduce contamination and break the sterile seal.
Case Care Neglect
Your contact lens case requires as much attention as your lenses themselves. Many patients forget to clean their cases regularly or continue using damaged cases.
Replace your case every three months or immediately if it becomes cracked or damaged. After each use, rinse your case with fresh solution and allow it to air dry completely.
Inconsistent Cleaning Routines
Skipping the rubbing step, even with “no-rub” solutions, can leave deposits on your lenses. The mechanical action of rubbing is essential for removing stubborn buildup.
Similarly, extending wear schedules beyond the recommended replacement intervals can lead to decreased lens performance and an increased risk of infection.
If you have questions about contact lens cleaning, need help selecting the right care products, or are interested in exploring contact lens options, schedule a consultation at Stahl Eyecare Experts in Manhattan, NY, today!
