Contact lens wearers must understand the significance of proper hygiene, not just for the lenses themselves, but for their storage case as well. This small container can quickly become a breeding ground for harmful microbes if neglected. The case’s moist environment makes it highly susceptible to contamination. Maintaining a clean case is a fundamental step in preventing eye infections and safeguarding your overall ocular health.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Procedure
The process for cleaning your contact lens case should be a daily routine, performed immediately after you place your lenses in your eyes for the day. The first step is to completely empty the old disinfecting solution from the case. Never attempt to reuse this solution or “top off” the old liquid with new solution, as it is no longer sterile and promotes bacterial growth.
Next, rub and rinse the case using fresh contact lens multipurpose solution. Squirt a small amount into each well and rub the entire interior surface, including the threads and corners, with a clean finger to dislodge deposits. This rubbing action is important for disrupting potential biofilm formation. Rinse the case again with a stream of fresh solution to wash away lingering particles.
Finally, allow the case to air-dry completely before closing the lids. Shake out excess solution, then place the case face down on a clean, lint-free surface with the caps removed. Air-drying prevents moisture buildup, which encourages microbial growth.
Risks of Case Contamination
A contaminated contact lens case poses a direct threat to eye health by acting as a vehicle for transferring pathogenic microorganisms to the eye. The moist interior of a dirty case is an ideal habitat for organisms like Pseudomonas aeruginosa (a common bacterium) and Acanthamoeba (a free-living amoeba). These microbes can survive and multiply in the case, eventually transferring to the lens and then to the cornea.
Such contamination can lead to serious and painful eye conditions, including microbial keratitis and corneal ulcers. Acanthamoeba keratitis is a particularly severe infection of the cornea that is difficult to treat and can result in significant vision loss. Symptoms often include severe eye pain, blurred vision, and extreme sensitivity to light.
Materials and Methods to Strictly Avoid
Only fresh, sterile contact lens solution should ever be used to clean or rinse your contact lens case. Never use tap water, distilled water, or any non-sterile water source for cleaning. Tap water commonly harbors microorganisms like Acanthamoeba that can cause severe eye infections.
The use of household soaps, detergents, or saliva is strictly prohibited, as these substances can introduce irritating chemical residues or further contamination. Soap residue can cause irritation or damage to the lens material. Boiling the case or running it through a dishwasher is also not recommended, as heat can degrade the plastic and may not reliably eliminate all microorganisms or biofilm.
Replacement Schedule for Contact Cases
Beyond daily cleaning, the contact lens case itself has a limited lifespan and must be replaced regularly to maintain a hygienic environment for your lenses. Optometrists recommend replacing your contact lens case at least once every three months. This timeframe is necessary because the plastic material can degrade over time and develop micro-scratches.
These microscopic imperfections create sheltered spaces where microorganisms can form tenacious layers of biofilm resistant to disinfecting solutions. Immediate replacement is necessary if you observe physical damage, such as cracks or warping. Visible contamination like cloudiness, discoloration, or a persistent foul odor also necessitates tossing the case immediately.