For those who wear contact lenses, proper cleaning and maintenance are essential to ensuring that your eyes stay healthy and your lenses remain comfortable. In order to keep your contacts in the best possible condition, here are six tips for properly cleaning them.
Tip # 1
Wash Your Hands Before Handling Your Contacts
The first step in any contact lens cleaning routine is ensuring your hands are clean. This is important as it prevents bacteria from contacting the lenses. Use soap and warm water, dry your hands thoroughly with a lint-free cloth, and then you’re ready to start cleaning.
Tip # 2
Use a Lens Cleaning Solution
When cleaning your lenses, you should always use a lens-cleaning solution specifically designed for contact lenses. Fill a lens case with enough solution to completely cover the lenses and then soak them for at least four hours before rinsing them off with more solution and drying them with a clean cloth. Don’t use tap water or saliva—these can contain bacteria that can harm your eyes if it gets onto the lenses.
Tip # 3
Replace Your Contact Lens Case Regularly
It’s also important to replace your contact lens case every three months (or immediately if it becomes cracked or damaged). Make sure to clean the case thoroughly each time you replace it. Bacteria can easily accumulate in cases over time, so replacing them on a regular basis will help keep your contacts clean and prevent eye infections.
Tip # 4
Rub & Rinse Your Lenses Every Time You Take Them Out
Every time you take out your contacts, gently rub them between two fingers using either saline solution or contact lens cleaner before rinsing them off with more solution or sterile water. This will certainly help remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated on the lenses while they’re being worn.
Tip # 5
Store Your Lenses in Fresh Solution When Not Wearing Them
If you’re not wearing your contacts for an extended time (e.g., overnight), make sure you store them in fresh solution when not in use. This will keep the lenses moist and prevent bacteria from growing on them while they’re not worn. It also ensures that they remain comfortable when you put them back in again after extended periods of non-use.
Tip # 6
Visit an Eye Care Professional Regularly
As part of any good contact lens care program, it’s important to visit an eye care professional regularly, at least once per year, for checkups and advice on how best to care for your eyes while wearing contacts. A professional can also advise on which type of lens cleaner is best suited for you and how often they should be replaced according to your individual needs and lifestyle requirements.
The Bottom Line
Taking proper steps when caring for contact lenses is essential if you want healthy eyesight without irritation or infection caused by improper hygiene practices. With proper adherence to these steps, wearers can enjoy all of the benefits of wearing contacts without worrying about potential problems arising from incorrect usage practices. Visit contactlenses.co.uk/ to get more information about contact lenses.
