How to Properly Clean Your Contacts
Contacts are a popular means of vision correction. Around 45 million people in the US alone wear contacts—and we can see why! Contacts are comfortable and convenient, and they are perfect for athletes and people on the go. You may be surprised to learn that with so many people choosing contacts, 40-90% of contact lens wearers aren’t properly cleaning their lenses. You may be in that group and not even know it! The Visionworks team is dedicated to making sure your vision is not only crystal clear, but that you also have the tools needed to keep your eyes healthy and contacts clean. Our experts share four easy steps to help you properly clean your contacts every time, popular choices of contact solutions and essential tips for keeping your contacts clean. We also debunk common contact lens cleaning misconceptions and myths in our FAQ section.
4 Easy Steps to Properly Clean Your Contacts Every Time
Many people don’t know that storing and soaking your contacts in the solution overnight isn’t enough to keep them clean. When you take your contacts out of the case, follow these four quick and easy steps to ensure your contacts are clean, disinfected and ready to go.
Wash Your Hands
It may seem obvious to wash your hands before putting in your contacts, but many people skip this crucial first step when rushing to get ready for the day. Wash your hands with antibacterial soap for at least 20 seconds under warm water and dry them with a lint-free towel. This step helps protect your eyes from bacteria, dust or oil that could be on your hands.
Use Fresh Solution
Always use fresh contact solution to clean your contacts before you put them in. Never rinse your contacts with old solution (even from the night before), water or saliva. None of these adequately disinfect your contacts or remove the buildup of proteins and germs—and can contaminate your lenses.
Rub and Rinse
Rub your contact lenses gently with fresh solution and then rinse them again to remove any lingering particles. Even when using “no-rub” contact solutions, this is still the best method for cleaning your contacts.
Blink and Go
Once you’ve put your contacts in, take a minute to look in the mirror and blink slowly. Ensure your contacts feel comfortable and secure. The last thing you want is to have your contacts fall out or irritate your eyes after you’ve already left the house. Once you’ve completed these four easy steps, smile and go on your way, knowing your contacts are clean and ready for the day ahead.
Consult an eye doctor near you for more questions about contacts.
3 Types of Contact Solutions and How to Use Them
There are many brands out there, but most contact lens care systems and solutions fall into three categories—multipurpose, hydrogen and rigid gas permeable. We’re going to explain how to properly use each one to clean, disinfect and store your lenses. Remember, saline solution does not disinfect contacts. Only use it for rinsing, never for storage or disinfecting.
Multipurpose Solution
Multipurpose contact lens solutions are perfect for most soft contact lens wearers. These solutions are suitable for cleaning, rinsing, disinfecting and storing lenses. Remember to rub and rinse your lenses after being in storage to remove any excess proteins or particles.
Hydrogen Peroxide Solution
Hydrogen peroxide solutions are used for disinfecting and storing soft contact lenses. This type of solution should never be used for rinsing contacts and never go directly into the eyes, because it can cause burning and irritation. Hydrogen peroxide solution comes with a special case that reacts to convert it to saline after 4 to 6 hours. Never use this solution with other cases. When using hydrogen peroxide solution to store and disinfect, you should rinse your lenses well with saline or multipurpose solution before placing them in your eyes.
Rigid Gas Permeable Solution
Rigid gas permeable solutions are used for disinfecting and storing hard contact lenses. Hard contacts typically come with additional steps for care, so make sure to discuss different systems and products with your eye doctor. Never use hard contact products with soft contacts.
Tips to Keep Your Contacts Clean and Disinfected
Remember to always keep your contacts clean, follow the directions on your contact solution bottle and ask your eye doctor for tips on care and maintenance. Here are more tips for keeping your contacts clean and disinfected.
- Keep a schedule. Adapt your contact cleaning regime into your daily schedule so lens are clean and disinfected before every use.
- Be prepared. Carry solution with you in case of emergencies and when traveling.
- Only use solution. Never clean contacts with anything other than an approved contact solution.
Is it time for new contacts?
Contact Lens Care FAQs
How can you clean contacts without a contact lens solution?
You can only clean and disinfect contacts with a contact lens solution. While saline can be used to rinse your contacts, it does not disinfect. Never attempt to clean your contact lenses with water, saliva or other liquids.
Can you use water, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, saliva, saline solution or artificial tears to clean contact lenses?
No. Never substitute or use anything besides an approved contact solution to clean your contact lenses.
Why are my contacts blurry?
Contacts can become blurry when proteins build up on the surface of the lens. This could be a sign that your contacts need to be replaced or that you aren’t properly cleaning your lenses. Try using the rub and rinse method with a multipurpose contact solution to remove surface proteins. If this doesn’t resolve the blurriness, start using new contacts right away.
How often should you clean your contact lenses?
Clean your contact lenses daily or before each use. Make sure to store in a disinfecting contact solution between uses.
How long can you wear your contacts before cleaning them?
Most people can comfortably wear contact lenses between 14 and 16 hours a day. Make sure to clean your contacts daily. Always remove your contacts right away if your eyes feel irritated.
Where should you store your contact lens case?
Store your contact lens case in a cool and dry environment. Beware of wet and humid bathrooms!
Can you make your own at-home contact solution?
No. Never substitute or use anything besides an approved contact solution to clean your contact lenses.
Can you reuse old contact solution?
No. Old solution is no longer sterile and puts your eyes at risk of infection.
Is storing the same as cleaning?
No. While contact solution is used to store and disinfect your contacts, it is still essential to clean them using the rub and rinse method before wearing them.
When should you get daily contacts?
If you have trouble remembering to clean or properly store your contacts, it may be a good idea to ask your eye doctor about daily contact lenses.
Can you put contact lens solution directly in your eye?
No. Contact solution is made to store, disinfect and clean contacts. It should not be put directly in the eye. Hydrogen peroxide solutions can burn and irritate the eyes. If your eyes feel dry, use artificial tears or saline solution for relief.
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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