Contact lenses are medical devices that sit directly on the surface of the eye, making proper care non-negotiable for maintaining good vision and ocular health. Lenses accumulate natural deposits from tears, environmental debris, and microorganisms during wear. Without daily cleaning and disinfection, these contaminants can lead to painful and potentially sight-threatening complications, including severe eye infections. Following a specific cleaning routine is essential for safe contact lens wear.
Preparation and Essential Supplies
Before touching your contact lenses or their case, establish a sterile field starting with thorough hand hygiene. Wash your hands with a mild, non-moisturizing soap and clean, running water for at least 20 seconds. Oils, lotions, and fragrances can transfer to the lens surface, causing irritation. After washing, dry your hands using a fresh, lint-free towel or tissue, as microbes found in water can cling to the lens surface.
The correct choice of cleaning agent is necessary for successful lens hygiene. For soft lenses, the most common options are multipurpose solutions or hydrogen peroxide-based systems. Multipurpose solutions are all-in-one products used to clean, rinse, disinfect, and store the lenses. Hydrogen peroxide systems offer superior disinfection but require a neutralizer built into the case to prevent a chemical burn to the eye.
The Step-by-Step Cleaning Procedure
Mechanical action is important, even when using “no-rub” solutions, because rubbing physically dislodges deposits and biofilms that rinsing alone cannot remove. Start by removing one lens and placing it in the palm of your clean, dry hand. Apply several drops of fresh disinfecting solution to the lens, ensuring the entire surface is moist.
Using the pad of your clean index finger, gently rub the lens in a back-and-forth or circular motion against your palm for about 10 to 15 seconds. This process actively cleans the lens surface of protein and lipid buildup. Follow this by a thorough rinse with a steady stream of fresh solution to wash away loosened debris and cleaning agent. Place the clean lens into its well in the storage case, fill the well with fresh solution, and repeat the procedure for the second lens.
Crucial Safety Warnings and Missteps
The most important prohibition in contact lens care is the use of tap water, which can harbor the microscopic organism Acanthamoeba. If this microbe contaminates a lens, it can lead to Acanthamoeba keratitis, a rare but painful corneal infection that may result in permanent vision loss. Never use tap water to rinse lenses or the case, and avoid wearing lenses while showering, swimming, or using a hot tub.
Never substitute contact lens solution with non-sterile fluids like saliva or homemade saline solutions, as these offer no disinfection and introduce bacteria. A common mistake is “topping off,” which means adding fresh solution to the old solution already in the case. The old solution contains deactivated disinfectants and debris, compromising the effectiveness of the new solution. Always adhere to the lens replacement schedule prescribed by your eye care professional, as wearing lenses past their recommended lifespan increases the risk of infection.
Maintaining the Lens Case and Routine
The lens case is a potential source of contamination and requires careful maintenance separate from the lenses. After removing your lenses each morning, empty the old solution. Rinse the open case with fresh disinfecting solution—never water—and then rub the inside of the wells with clean fingers to remove any residue.
After rinsing, wipe the case dry with a clean tissue and allow it to air-dry by leaving it open and upside down on a clean surface. This air-drying minimizes the moist environment where microorganisms thrive. The case should be replaced at least every three months, as the plastic develops microscopic scratches and harbors bacterial biofilms that resist disinfection.