Practical and convenient, contact lenses offer us many benefits. But to enjoy those benefits, we need to practise proper lens care. Follow these six straightforward steps to keep your lenses clean and your eyes healthy and comfortable.
The basics of contact lens care
How you care for your lenses will depend on the type you wear, but there are some basic principles that apply to all contact lenses:
1. Wash your hands
Always wash your hands before touching your lenses to minimise the risk of harmful bacteria entering the eye and causing an infection. Use a mild soap and dry your hands with a clean, lint-free towel.
2. Clean (or discard) your lenses after removing them
Start by putting a few drops of solution into the palm of your hand. Place your monthly or fortnightly lens in the solution and rub gently with your index finger to remove any deposits that have built up during the day. Rinse the lens with fresh solution, then repeat with the other lens. Simple. If you wear daily disposables, it’s even easier — just throw them away after use.
3. Never use water to clean your lenses
Water can carry all kinds of harmful impurities that can contaminate your lenses and cause infections. Keep your contact lenses safe by using only the specific solutions designed for cleaning, disinfecting, and storing them.
4. Don’t forget to clean your lens case
It’s recommended to clean your lens case after every use to prevent the build-up of bacteria. This means discarding the old solution, rinsing the case with fresh solution (not water), and then leaving it to air dry. When it’s time to store your lenses, fill the case with fresh solution.
And don’t forget to replace your lens case every two to three months, even if it still looks fine.
5. Use the right contact lens solution
At Lenstore, you’ll find a wide selection of contact lens solutions, ranging from hydrogen peroxide to multipurpose formulas and saline solutions. Not all solutions and lenses are compatible with each other, so it’s important to stick to the lens care products recommended by your optician.
6. Don’t forget to clean your glasses
It’s important to disinfect your glasses regularly to remove any dirt or bacteria transferred through your fingers or face. Make sure the disinfectant is safe to use on your glasses before cleaning them.
If you have any questions about contact lens care or would like to discuss solutions, our team is always happy to help. Just get in touch with us.