OOMC News

Contact lenses are one of the easiest and most convenient ways to correct vision, but they can cause eye infections if you’re not careful. That is why it’s so important to know how to clean contact lenses and take care of them the right way.

Wearing clean contact lenses can help reduce irritation and various eye problems. Read on to learn how to properly clean your contact lenses to ensure optimum eye health.

Step 1: Wash Your Hands

Before taking your contact lenses out, you must always wash your hands. This will help prevent bacteria from getting into your eyes and onto the contact lenses. Be sure to use antibacterial soap when washing your hands. Scented and lotion-based soaps can make your contact lenses cloudy and irritate the eyes.

Step 2: Using Contact Solution

Once you’ve washed and dried your hands, take out one contact, and place it in your palm. Then, put a generous amount of multipurpose contact solution on the lens. Next, take your index finger and rub the lens against your palm up, down, left, and right. You never want to rub your contact lens in a circular motion as this could cause damage to the lens.

It’s recommended to rub the lens for about 20 seconds. However, this can differ between brands of solutions. Check your contact solution bottle for directions to see how long it is recommended to clean each lens.

Repeat this step with the other contact lens.

Step 3: Rinse Your Contact Lens

After you’ve rubbed the lens, rinse it with solution in your palm to remove any additional particles and debris. Rinse each side of the lens for a few seconds or as directed on the contact solution bottle.

Step 4: Store Your Contacts Lenses

Finally, fill both sides of your contact lens case with solution and place one contact in each side. There should be enough solution to submerge both lenses completely. Never reuse solution to soak your contact lenses. Always fill the case with new solution each day.

Lens Care Tips

In addition to the steps outlined above, the following helpful contact lens care tips can ensure cleaner contacts and reduce the likelihood of eye infections.

• Always rub your contact lenses regardless of whether you use a “no-rub” contact solution. Rubbing each contact lens in your palm effectively removes any protein buildup, debris, and particles that can cause irritation.
• Always use contact solution to clean and rinse your contacts. Water, saliva, and other fluids contain impurities and chemicals that can not only damage the lenses, but can also cause severe eye health issues.
• Empty, rinse, and air-dry your contact lens case every day to minimize bacteria growth. Plus, remember to rinse the case with contact solution to disinfect it.
• Bacteria will accumulate in your lens case after some time. Be sure to change the contact lens container every three months or as directed by your doctor.

Cleaning contact lenses will prevent irritation, infection, and other eye problems, but the process can be an inconvenience. So if you want to keep your vision clear and your eyes healthy without having to deal with the chore of cleaning your contacts every day, schedule a free LASIK consultation today.

Schedule Your Free Consult Today

Here at OOMC, our patient’s well-being is our priority. Our dedicated team of surgeons and staff always makes an effort to create a safe and secure environment where you can easily access care comfortably and confidently.

Contact one of our centers nearest to you for further information.

Corneal Associates of New Jersey

Kremer Eye Center

Ludwick Eye Center

Eye Care Northwest