Cleaning and Storing Your Contacts
Just as you need to charge a cell phone every night to keep it working properly during the day, your contact lenses need to be regularly cleaned, disinfected and reconditioned so that when you are ready to reinsert them, they'll be clean and comfortable throughout the day.
Remember the following instructions when cleaning contact lenses and storing them, in order to provide the best contact lens care.
- Always wash your hands before handling contact lenses.
- Regularly clean your contact lenses with the contact lens solution specifically recommended for you by your eye doctor. Don't assume that just anything will do. For example, saline solution and rewetting drops are completely different from contact lens solution. Saline solution and rewetting drops are not designed to disinfect and recondition your lenses.
- Sometimes particles, like make-up, might get stuck to your lenses. When this happens, try rubbing these materials off your lenses with your fingers while they are moist with contact lens solution. Disinfect your contact lenses according to the directions for use each time you remove them from your eyes.
- Clean your lens case daily. Dump out the used solution in the case and rinse it out with fresh solution. Then let it air dry during the day. Don’t use tap water to rinse your case out, as this could expose your eyes to an infection or other problems. Replace your lens case every three months.
- Use only fresh contact lens solution when cleaning and disinfecting contact lenses. You should never "top off" or mix fresh solution with used solution.
- If you don't wear your lenses every day and store them for a few days, you still need to clean and disinfect your lenses before you wear them again. Follow the directions on your contact lens care solution.
- Replace your lenses according to your eye doctor’s instructions.
- Regularly visit your eye doctor for contact lens and eye examinations.
