How To Clean Contact Lenses Properly
Did you know that almost 90% of contact lens wearers don't know how to care for their contacts?
You love the convenience of contact lenses and you know how easy it is to put them in and take them out. Plus, you no longer have to worry about breaking your glasses! But, do you know how to clean contact lenses so that you avoid infection? It's not a particularly complicated process, but it is an important one.
Cleaning Contact Lenses: Before You Start
What is the first thing you need to understand about how to clean contact lenses?
First, ensure that your clean lenses will still be safe to wear. Your contacts should have their lifespan listed on the packaging. If you see that the lenses are out of date, toss them.
If you're wearing 1-day lenses, throw them out at the end of the day. Sleeping with your lenses could lead to an infection, and it's not very comfortable, anyway!
If you're wearing extended wear contacts, you'll need to clean them at least once a week.
If you're wearing standard contact lenses, you'll need to clean them every day and remove them at night.
Only clean your contacts with contact lens cleaner solution. Clean and disinfect them with the right solution to avoid damaging the lenses.
Finally, make sure that you've thoroughly washed your hands with soap and water.
How to Clean Contact Lenses With Contact Lenses Solution
First, rinse out your contact lens case and put some contact lens solution in each of the compartments. Putting your lenses in the case, instead of resting them on your sink or on a napkin, reduces the risk of picking up debris.
Once your lenses are in the solution, take a look at each one to check for signs of damage. You should also make sure that there isn't any dirt left on the lenses. This is an especially important step if you've realized that your eyes have been watering or itching more than usual.
It goes without saying that, if the lenses have tears or look very damaged, you'll need to throw them out.
Make sure that you're only using contact lens cleaners for daily cleaning and overnight storage. Also, ensure that the cleaner is compatible with either hard or soft lens types.
Cleaning Each Lens
Once you've finished checking your lenses for damage, it's time to actually clean them.
Put the lens on the palm of your hand using one finger, and make sure that the part you put on your eye is facing you. Put a single drop of your solution on the lens, and leave it for only about 5 seconds. Move your lens forward and backward, and then to the side, with your finger.
Then, place your contact lenses back in their individual compartment.
Never put two lenses on the same side of your contacts case. Screw the lids on tightly to ensure that everything stays put.
The final step?
Once you've closed the case, shake it up and down to make sure the solution covers the lenses.
Doing so will help to jostle any sort of stubborn dirt and debris loose that you may not have been able to spot on your own.
Extra Tips for Wearing Contact Lenses
Keeping contacts clean is important. But, there's more to wearing contacts than meets the eye. Especially, if you're thinking of making the switch from eyeglasses.
- If your vision feels worse, or cloudy, even after a good clean, make an appointment with your eye doctor. You may need a different type of prescription.
- Keep your glasses handy until you get used to your new lenses. You will need a bit of time to get used to wearing them.
- Make sure that you never use tap water or rewetting drops to clean your contacts. This won't do anything to actually clean them.
- When you need to travel do not transfer cleaning solution into a smaller bottle. Doing this can compromise the solution, and render it less effective. Buy a travel size contact lens cleaning solution bottle.
- Read and follow the cleaning instructions detailed on the back of your lens box.
Looking to Buy Contact Lenses Online?
It's important to develop good hygiene habits. Experienced lens wearers and those new to contacts alike should follow the above cleaning rules.
Of course, we know that you're also looking for ways to save money on your contact lenses.
We can help you with that! Check out the lenses currently on sale.
You can also find different brands and types of lenses on our website, including colour contact lenses, and of course, more helpful advice on our blog.
We hope this post has helped you understand how to clean contact lenses the right way. It might seem complicated at first, But, practice makes perfect!
