The lifespan and clarity of your contact lenses are directly determined by the care routine. Maximizing the useful life of a lens requires consistently maintaining its replacement schedule and preventing the accumulation of deposits and contaminants. Improper maintenance shortens this useful life, leading to discomfort, reduced visual quality, and an increased risk of serious eye infections. Following a hygienic protocol ensures your lenses remain safe and comfortable for the full duration prescribed by your eye care professional.
Essential Daily Cleaning and Handling Techniques
The most important step before touching your lenses is to wash your hands thoroughly with a non-lotion, non-fragrance soap. Lotions and oils can transfer to the lens surface, creating a film that blurs vision and attracts microorganisms. After washing, dry your hands completely with a clean, lint-free towel to prevent the transfer of tap water, which carries the risk of contamination.
Once removed, every lens requires the “rub and rinse” method, even if the solution packaging claims to be “no-rub.” Rubbing the lens gently in your palm with a few drops of fresh solution physically dislodges debris, lipids, and proteins before disinfection. This mechanical action is crucial for removing the highest percentage of microorganisms and preventing the formation of biofilms. Following the rub, rinse the lens thoroughly with the solution for the time specified by the manufacturer before placing it in the case.
Lenses should only be cleaned and stored in fresh, approved multipurpose or hydrogen peroxide solution. Never use rewetting drops or saline for storage, as these lack the necessary disinfecting agents. Never let your lenses or the storage case come into contact with tap water or saliva. Tap water can harbor the microscopic organism Acanthamoeba, which causes a rare but sight-threatening infection called Acanthamoeba keratitis.
Maintaining the Contact Lens Storage Case
The contact lens case is a common source of re-contamination, as it can harbor persistent microbial biofilms. You must use fresh disinfecting solution every time you store your lenses, and never “top off” the old solution. Topping off dilutes the concentration of the disinfecting agents, rendering them ineffective at killing microbes overnight.
After inserting your lenses in the morning, empty the case completely of the old solution. Rinse the case thoroughly with fresh contact lens solution, and then gently rub the inside of the wells with a clean finger to disrupt any developing biofilm. Allowing the case to air-dry upside down with the caps off on a clean surface exposes the plastic to air, inhibiting microbial growth.
The case should be replaced frequently, typically every one to three months. The plastic material can develop a protective layer of microorganisms (biofilm) that resists standard cleaning over time. Many new bottles of solution include a fresh case, which serves as a reminder to discard the old one. Avoid storing the case in high-humidity areas like the bathroom, as moisture and warmth promote microbial proliferation.
Limiting Wear-Time Risks and External Contaminants
Strict adherence to the prescribed replacement schedule is paramount for eye health. Extending the use of lenses beyond their intended lifespan allows protein and lipid deposits to accumulate on the surface. This buildup clouds vision, causes irritation, and reduces the oxygen permeability of the lens material.
Reduced oxygen flow to the cornea (corneal hypoxia) forces the eye to metabolize oxygen less efficiently. This can lead to corneal swelling and, in severe cases, the growth of new blood vessels into the cornea. These changes shorten the lens’s useful life and put the eye at risk for serious complications. Never attempt to extend the life of a lens beyond the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Water exposure during wear should be avoided. Water activities like showering, swimming, or using a hot tub increase the chance of waterborne pathogens attaching to the lens surface. If water must be involved, remove the lenses beforehand or wear tight-fitting goggles.
When using cosmetics, always insert your contact lenses before applying any makeup to avoid transferring oils or cosmetic particles onto the lens. These particles can become trapped between the lens and the eye, leading to significant irritation and lens damage. Similarly, remove your lenses before taking off your makeup. This prevents harsh makeup removers from coating the lens and degrading its material.
If your eyes feel dry during wear, only use rewetting drops specifically approved for contact lenses to restore moisture. Using saline or multipurpose solution as a rewetting agent is ineffective for hydration and can introduce cleaning chemicals or contaminants, compromising the lens integrity and comfort.