Contact lenses offer a convenient alternative to eyeglasses, providing clear vision without frames. This comfort depends entirely on meticulous hygiene. Proper cleaning and disinfection are the primary methods for preventing eye infections and maintaining eye health. A consistent care routine safeguards vision by removing contaminants, protein deposits, and microorganisms.
Standard Daily Cleaning Procedure
The routine for cleaning your lenses begins by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water, then drying them with a lint-free towel. This step prevents transferring germs, dirt, or oils from your hands to the lens surface. After removing the first lens, place it in the palm of your clean, dry hand.
Apply several drops of fresh contact lens solution onto the lens in your palm. Using a clean fingertip, gently rub the lens in a back-and-forth motion for the time specified by the solution manufacturer, often 10 to 20 seconds. This mechanical action of rubbing is required to dislodge deposits and debris, even when using modern “no-rub” multipurpose solutions.
Following the rubbing action, rinse the lens thoroughly with a steady stream of the same fresh solution to flush away the loosened residue. Once clean, place the lens into the appropriate well of your contact lens storage case and fill it completely with fresh solution for disinfection. Repeat the entire process with the second lens, ensuring you do not mix up the right and left lenses.
Understanding Cleaning Solutions
Contact lens solutions fall into two main categories, each using a different chemical process to disinfect the lenses. Multi-purpose solutions are the most common, designed to clean, rinse, disinfect, and store lenses using a single bottle. They rely on chemical agents and preservatives to kill microorganisms and are generally the most convenient option for many wearers.
The second major type is the hydrogen peroxide solution, which provides a deeper, preservative-free disinfection. This system uses a three percent hydrogen peroxide solution, highly effective at killing a broad range of microbes. If the pure hydrogen peroxide touches the eye, it will cause intense stinging and potential corneal damage.
To prevent this injury, a mandatory neutralization step is required to convert the peroxide into a harmless saline solution before the lenses can be worn. This process is achieved by soaking the lenses in a specialized case containing a platinum-coated disc or a neutralizing tablet, which chemically converts the solution over a minimum period, often six hours. Never skip this neutralization period, and remember that hydrogen peroxide solution cannot be used for rinsing the lenses before insertion.
Essential Care for the Lens Case
The contact lens case itself can become a source of contamination if not properly maintained, as biofilm can build up on its internal surfaces. After removing your lenses each morning, empty the old, used solution completely from the case. Never reuse solution or “top off” the old liquid with new solution, as this significantly reduces the disinfectant’s effectiveness.
Rinse the empty case with fresh, sterile contact lens solution, but never with tap water. Allow the case to air-dry completely by leaving it open and facedown on a clean surface. This allows any remaining moisture to evaporate, preventing an environment where microbes can thrive.
The contact lens storage case should be replaced at least once every three months. Over time, plastic cases develop microscopic scratches and fissures that can harbor bacteria and deposits. Replacing the case frequently is a simple yet effective measure to reduce the risk of eye infection.
Critical Safety Warnings
Several common habits pose serious risks to eye health and must be avoided when caring for contact lenses. Never use tap water to rinse or store your lenses or case, as it contains microorganisms like Acanthamoeba. This amoeba can cause a rare but painful and vision-threatening eye infection called Acanthamoeba keratitis.
Similarly, never use saliva to wet or clean a contact lens, as the human mouth is full of bacteria that can easily be transferred to the eye. Saline solutions and rewetting drops are not disinfectants, and should not be used as a substitute for a proper cleaning and disinfecting solution. Using these for storage or cleaning will not kill harmful microorganisms.
Sleeping in contact lenses not specifically approved for extended wear is another dangerous practice. This significantly reduces the oxygen supply to the cornea, raising the risk of infection and inflammation. Always follow the schedule for wearing and replacing your lenses exactly as prescribed by your eye care professional.