How to Properly Care for Your Contact Lenses: A Comprehensive Guide

Caring for your contact lenses properly is essential to maintaining eye health, ensuring comfort, and avoiding complications such as infections or dry eyes. Whether you’re new to contact lenses or have been using them for years, it’s important to follow best practices for cleaning, storing, and handling your lenses. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to properly care for your contact lenses and keep your eyes healthy.

Why Proper Contact Lens Care Is Important

Failing to care for your contact lenses properly can lead to serious eye problems, including infections, corneal ulcers, or dry eye syndrome. Your eyes need a clean, comfortable lens surface to maintain optimal health. By following recommended care guidelines, you’ll reduce the risk of developing complications and ensure your lenses stay comfortable throughout the day.

How to Clean Your Contact Lenses

Cleaning your contact lenses is the first step in maintaining eye health. Here’s how to clean your lenses effectively:

• Use fresh contact lens solution: Always use a fresh supply of multipurpose contact lens solution. Avoid using tap water or saliva to clean your lenses, as they can introduce harmful bacteria.
• Rub and rinse your lenses: Even with “no-rub” solutions, it's a good idea to gently rub your lenses between your fingers before rinsing them with solution to remove debris and protein buildup.
• Follow the solution instructions: Use the cleaning solution as directed by the manufacturer or your optometrist.

How to Store Your Contact Lenses

Proper storage is essential to keep your contact lenses safe when not in use. Follow these storage tips:

• Use a clean contact lens case: Your contact lens case should be cleaned and dried every day. Replace the case at least every three months to prevent contamination.
• Fill the case with fresh solution: Never reuse old solution. Always fill your lens case with fresh solution every time you store your lenses.
• Avoid tap water: Tap water can introduce harmful microorganisms. Always use sterile contact lens solution for cleaning and storage.

Best Practices for Wearing Contact Lenses

Here are some essential tips to keep your eyes healthy while wearing contact lenses:

• Follow your wearing schedule: Only wear your lenses for the recommended amount of time each day. Avoid sleeping in your lenses unless they’re specifically designed for overnight wear.
• Wash your hands: Before inserting or removing your lenses, wash your hands with soap and water and dry them thoroughly.
• Avoid rubbing your eyes: Rubbing your eyes while wearing lenses can cause irritation or even dislodge the lens.
• Replace lenses as recommended: Follow the replacement schedule for your specific type of lenses, whether daily, bi-weekly, or monthly.

What to Avoid When Caring for Contact Lenses

Avoid these common mistakes to ensure your contact lenses remain clean and safe to use:

• Never reuse old solution: Always use fresh solution each time you store your lenses.
• Don’t wear lenses while swimming: Water can introduce bacteria and cause infections. If you need to wear lenses while swimming, consider using prescription goggles.
• Avoid wearing lenses past their expiration date: Expired lenses can become uncomfortable and pose a risk to your eyes.

How to Prevent Eye Infections from Contact Lenses

Eye infections from contact lenses can be painful and potentially serious. Here’s how to reduce your risk:

• Keep your lenses clean: Always follow proper cleaning instructions to prevent bacteria buildup on your lenses.
• Don’t wear lenses for too long: Overwearing contact lenses can reduce the oxygen supply to your eyes, increasing the risk of infection.
• Schedule regular eye exams: Regular checkups with your optometrist ensure that your lenses are fitting properly and your eyes remain healthy.

Book a Contact Lens Consultation at G&G Eye Doctors

At G&G Eye Doctors, we provide expert advice on how to care for your contact lenses and maintain long-term eye health. If you’re unsure about the best cleaning and storage practices or if you’re experiencing discomfort with your lenses, schedule a consultation with our team today.