Contact lenses offer a convenient alternative to eyeglasses. However, the lenses are medical devices placed directly on the surface of the eye, a sensitive environment. Maintaining eye health requires that the lens material remains clean and properly hydrated when not in use. Failing to adhere to correct storage procedures significantly increases the risk of eye infections, which can range from mild irritation to conditions that threaten vision.
Essential Supplies for Safe Contact Storage
The foundation of safe contact lens storage rests on two primary components: the correct disinfecting solution and a sealed storage case. Using the proper solution is paramount because it actively cleanses and disinfects the lenses. Never attempt to use water, saliva, or homemade saline, as these lack the necessary sterile and disinfecting properties required for lens care.
Two main solution types dominate the market: multipurpose solutions and hydrogen peroxide systems. Multipurpose solutions are the most common, designed to clean, rinse, disinfect, and store lenses all from one bottle. They are convenient but rely on chemical agents to kill microbes, which can sometimes cause sensitivity in certain wearers.
Hydrogen peroxide systems offer a preservative-free alternative, providing powerful disinfection using a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. This system requires a specialized case containing a platinum neutralizing disc that converts the peroxide into a harmless saline solution over a period of at least six hours. The lens must never be placed in the eye before neutralization is complete, as unneutralized peroxide causes a painful chemical burn to the cornea. The storage case should have separate wells for each lens and a tight-sealing lid to maintain sterility during soaking.
Daily Cleaning and Storage Procedure
The daily storage process must begin with meticulous hand hygiene to prevent transferring contaminants. Hands should be washed thoroughly with soap and water, then dried completely using a lint-free towel before touching the lenses. This step removes transient bacteria and debris that could compromise the entire disinfection routine.
After removing a lens, place it in the palm of your hand and apply several drops of fresh contact lens solution. Even if the product is labeled “no-rub,” eye care professionals recommend incorporating a manual “rub and rinse” step. Gently rub the lens with the pad of your index finger in a circular motion for several seconds on both the front and back surfaces. This physical action dislodges protein deposits, makeup residue, and forming microbial layers, known as biofilm, from the lens material.
Following the rubbing, thoroughly rinse the lens with fresh solution to wash away loosened debris and cleaning agents. Finally, place the cleaned lens into the appropriate well of the contact lens case and completely fill the well with new, unused solution. The lens must be fully submerged to ensure proper disinfection throughout the required soaking time, which is usually a minimum of four to six hours, or overnight.
Maintaining the Contact Lens Case
While daily cleaning focuses on the lenses, the storage case requires strict maintenance to remain sanitary. The case serves as a reservoir for microorganisms if it is not cleaned and air-dried daily. After the lenses are removed in the morning, the old solution must be immediately discarded.
The empty case should then be rinsed with a few drops of fresh, sterile contact lens solution, never tap water. After rinsing, leave the case open and place it upside down on a clean, lint-free surface or tissue. Allowing the case to air dry completely helps minimize the moisture necessary for bacteria and fungi to thrive inside the wells.
Even with diligent cleaning, the case material can develop micro-scratches or harbor hard-to-remove biofilm over time. For this reason, the contact lens case needs to be replaced entirely on a strict schedule. Eye care professionals generally recommend discarding the old case and starting with a new one at least every three months.
Critical Storage Mistakes and Emergency Scenarios
Several common storage mistakes pose significant risks to eye health. One of the most serious mistakes is using tap water for rinsing or storage. Tap water often contains a microscopic organism called Acanthamoeba. If this microbe gets trapped between the lens and the eye, it can cause a rare but extremely painful and potentially blinding infection called Acanthamoeba keratitis.
Another dangerous practice is “topping off” the solution, which involves adding new solution to the liquid already in the case. The old solution has already lost much of its disinfecting power, and topping it off concentrates any residual contaminants and dilutes the effectiveness of the fresh solution. Always empty the case completely and refill it with new solution every time the lenses are stored.
If contact lens solution runs out, especially while traveling, do not substitute it with water, saliva, or any unapproved liquid. These substitutes are not sterile and introduce a high risk of infection. If a commercially-made disinfecting solution is unavailable, remove the lenses and store them dry until the correct product can be purchased. If the lenses have dried out completely, they may have developed microscopic damage and should be discarded rather than re-worn.