Soft contact lenses are susceptible to contamination because they directly contact the eye surface. Proper daily cleaning is necessary as lenses accumulate debris, protein deposits, and microorganisms. Failing to routinely disinfect and clean soft lenses creates a risk of serious eye infections, leading to discomfort, vision loss, and potential long-term complications. A consistent hygiene regimen ensures lenses remain clear, comfortable, and safe throughout their prescribed lifespan.
Required Tools and Solutions
A safe cleaning regimen requires selecting the correct tools, primarily the cleaning solution and the storage case. Contact lens solutions fall into two main categories: multipurpose solution (MPS) and hydrogen peroxide (\(\text{H}_2\text{O}_2\)) systems. MPS is the most common choice, as it uses a single liquid to rinse, clean, disinfect, and store lenses. It is a popular, cost-effective option for most wearers.
Hydrogen peroxide systems use a 3% \(\text{H}_2\text{O}_2\) solution for deeper, preservative-free disinfection. This powerful agent is effective at penetrating microbial biofilms, making it suitable for individuals with sensitive eyes or those prone to deposit buildup. The \(\text{H}_2\text{O}_2\) must be neutralized before the lenses are worn, typically using a specialized case with a platinum-coated disk or a neutralizing tablet.
A clean contact lens case is equally important and must be used with fresh solution every time. Hand hygiene is foundational, requiring a mild, non-lotion, non-oil based soap to avoid transferring residues onto the lenses. Before touching the lenses, hands must be thoroughly dried using a clean, lint-free towel to prevent the introduction of fibers or moisture.
The Complete Cleaning and Soaking Process
The daily cleaning process begins immediately after removing the lenses, starting with meticulous hand preparation. Wash your hands fully with soap and water, paying attention to the areas around the fingernails, as they can harbor germs. After washing, dry your hands completely with a clean towel to eliminate all water droplets and soap residue. Once dry, remove one lens and place it in the palm of your clean hand, ensuring fingernails do not contact the delicate lens surface.
Apply several drops of the prescribed solution onto the lens resting in your palm. The next step is mechanical scrubbing, known as the “rub and rinse” method, which is the most effective technique for removing debris and microorganisms. Gently rub the lens with the pad of your index finger in a circular motion for 10 to 15 seconds, cleaning both the front and back surfaces. This friction is necessary to physically dislodge deposits, even if the solution packaging claims to be a “no-rub” formula.
After rubbing, rinse the lens thoroughly with a steady stream of fresh solution to wash away loosened deposits and remaining cleaning agents. Place the lens into the correct compartment of the clean lens case, which must be filled completely with fresh disinfecting solution. This soaking step disinfects the lens and requires a minimum of six to eight hours, or overnight, to fully eliminate harmful organisms. Repeat the entire process for the second lens, working over a clean surface to prevent accidental contamination or loss.
Essential Safety Rules and Lens Lifespan
Avoiding certain hygiene mistakes is crucial for eye health. Never use tap water, distilled water, or homemade saline solutions to rinse or store soft contact lenses. Tap water contains microorganisms like Acanthamoeba that can cause a painful, sight-threatening infection, and water can also cause soft lenses to swell and adhere to the cornea. Similarly, never use saliva to rewet a lens, as the mouth harbors bacteria that can easily lead to a serious eye infection.
A common and risky habit to avoid is “topping off” the solution, which means adding fresh solution to the old liquid already in the case. The old solution is contaminated and has lost much of its disinfecting power, meaning topping off dilutes the new solution and creates a reservoir for bacteria. Always empty the old solution, rinse the case with fresh solution, and allow it to air-dry upside down with the caps off after inserting your lenses.
Adherence to replacement schedules is a necessary safety practice beyond daily cleaning. Lenses have a defined lifespan, whether they are daily disposables, bi-weekly, or monthly lenses, and wearing them beyond the recommended period increases the risk of eye problems due to protein buildup. The lens case is a high-risk source of contamination and should be replaced entirely every three months. Even with diligent cleaning, the plastic can develop a biofilm that protects bacteria, making routine case replacement essential for reducing infection risk.