How to Clean Your Contact Lens Case: A Guide
If you wear contacts, you know clean lenses are non-negotiable. However, many contact lens wearers neglect cleaning their contact cases and have no idea when to replace them. Alarmingly, the CDC found that more than 99% of contact wearers engage in risky behavior, like neglecting to clean their contact cases, which increases the risk of eye infections and other vision problems.
Storing your contacts in a clean case is crucial to ensuring clean lenses and healthy eyes. To help you protect your vision, we’ve created this guide on how to clean a contact lens case. We’ll explain how often you should clean and replace your case and provide answers to some of the most common questions about proper contact lens care.
How Often Should You Clean Your Contact Case?
You should clean your contact lens case daily to prevent bacteria buildup. Regular cleaning and avoiding risky habits, like showering with contact lenses, are key to keeping your eyes healthy. Knowing how to disinfect your contact case reduces contamination risks, helping prevent eye infections.
4 Easy Steps to Clean Your Contact Case
Many people make dangerous mistakes every day when cleaning their contact lenses and cases. Even small oversights in lens cleaning can lead to risks like dry eye, pink eye, corneal infection, and even vision loss. Follow these four easy steps to ensure you know how to clean your contact lens case properly and keep it ready for use.
1. Empty It
After you remove your contacts, empty your case, leaving no old solution at the bottom. Once you’ve used the solution, it is no longer sterile and is susceptible to bacteria growth. Bacteria buildup in your lens case can lead to eye irritation and infections. Never reuse or “top off” old lens solution.2. Wash Your Hands
Before cleaning your case, wash your hands with antibacterial soap and dry them with a lint-free towel. Your hands carry germs and oils, which can get deposited in your case, resulting in eye irritation or even infections like pink eye.3. Rub and Rinse
As with your contact lenses, the rub and rinse method is the perfect way to ensure your contact lens case is clean. To do this, squirt a small amount of multipurpose contact solution into the case and rub away any deposits with the tip of your finger. Dump the solution out of the case and then rinse it with more multipurpose solution to release any lingering particles. Don’t forget to clean the caps!Never use anything besides a multipurpose contact solution to clean your case.
4. Air-Dry and Seal
Finally, allow your case to air-dry completely and seal it for protection. The best way to air-dry your case is to place it face down on a clean paper towel. This allows excess solution to drain and protects the inside of your case from any foreign particles in the air. Once dry, seal with the caps and store in a cool, dry place, as humid places like the bathroom can cause bacteria buildup.Learn More About Properly Cleaning Your Contact Lenses
When Is It Time to Discard Your Contact Lens Case?
Make sure to discard and replace your contact lens case every three months. A CDC study shows that over 80% of contact lens wearers use their cases longer than recommended. No matter how well you clean your case, there is still a risk of bacteria building up over time. Protect your eyes and replace your case quarterly to prevent infection and irritation. Many contact solution brands offer a free case to make this process easier and inexpensive.
Additional Contact Lens Care Guidelines
Now that you know the basics, take your contact case care to the next level with these additional tips.
Only Use Multipurpose Contact Solution for Cleaning
When cleaning your contact lens case, always use a multipurpose contact solution. Water, including distilled or tap water, can harbor microorganisms that lead to infections like Acanthamoeba keratitis. Other cleaning agents, such as hydrogen peroxide or soap, can damage your lenses or cause eye irritation. Stick with solutions formulated to disinfect lenses and cases for optimal hygiene and safety.
Can you clean your contact case with water?
No. Water may contain bacteria that can harm your eyes.
Can you wash your contact lens case with soap?
No. Soap and water are not effective for cleaning contact lens cases. Only clean your case with a multipurpose contact solution.
Can you run your contact case through the dishwasher?
No. Never use water, soap, or other cleaning agents to clean your contact case. Only use an approved multipurpose contact solution for case cleaning.
Can you boil your contact lens case to sanitize it?
No. If your contact case becomes contaminated, replace it.
Can you sanitize your contact lens case with alcohol?
No. It is not recommended to use harsh cleaning agents when cleaning your contact case. They have the potential to leave residue and irritate the eyes. Only use multipurpose contact solutions for cleaning contact lens cases.
Can you clean your contact lens case with hydrogen peroxide?
No. Only use a multipurpose contact solution to clean your contact case. Hydrogen peroxide may leave a residue and burn the eyes.
Why can’t you clean your lens case with water, hydrogen peroxide, or other liquids?
Water and other liquids can harbor bacteria that cause infections. Hydrogen peroxide isn’t safe without neutralization. Only contact lens solution effectively disinfects and protects your eyes.
Make Cleaning Your Case a Morning Habit
Incorporating contact case cleaning into your morning routine helps establish consistency and prevents bacteria from building up overnight. Empty the old solution, rinse the case with a fresh contact solution, and let it air-dry while you start your day. This simple habit minimizes contamination risk and keeps your lenses safe to wear daily.
How often should you clean your contact lens case?
Clean your contact lens case daily to ensure it is free of eye irritants and germs.
When is the best time to clean your contact lens case?
Clean your contact lens case every morning when you remove your lenses. Empty the old solution, rinse it with fresh contact solution, and let it air-dry.
Store Your Case in a Cool, Dry Place
Where you store your contact case matters. A cool, dry environment is ideal to prevent bacterial growth, which thrives in humid conditions. Bathrooms might be convenient but are typically too humid for safe storage. Instead, keep your case in a dry location away from moisture to maintain cleanliness.
Can You Store Contact Lenses Without a Case?
Being without a contact lens case can happen during unexpected situations like vacations, long commutes, or last-minute overnight stays. If you forgot your contact case, it’s important to know how to store contacts without a case safely. If you don’t have a contact case, use a clean, sealable container with a secure lid, such as a small plastic or glass jar, and fill it with fresh contact solution. Be cautious—avoid makeshift or unclean containers, as they can introduce harmful bacteria and increase the risk of infection.
Remember to thoroughly clean your lenses with solution before reinserting them. Carrying a travel-size contact care kit can help you stay prepared for unexpected scenarios.
Your One-Stop Shop for Eye Care
Now that you know how to clean contact lens cases properly, find all your eye care essentials with Visionworks. We have everything you need—sunglasses, prescription glasses, contact lenses, cases, and cleaning solutions—all in one place.
Need an eye exam? Our team can help with personalized care and comprehensive services. Schedule your eye exam with Visionworks today.
Contact Lens Case Care FAQs
How often should you replace your contact lens case?
Where should you store your contact lens case?
Do you have to clean your contact case on first use?
How often should you change out the solution in your contact case?
Information received through Visionworks® content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your eye doctor, physician, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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