How to Clean and Store Soft Contact Lenses

Soft contact lenses are a convenient and effective way of correcting vision. To ensure they remain comfortable and hygienic, it's essential to clean and store them properly. Apart from daily contact lenses, all lenses must be cleaned and stored carefully, as they are meant for multiple wears. Tina Patel, Contact Lens Optician at Feel Good Contacts, says, “Failing to properly clean your reusable contacts, such as monthlies and two-weeklies, can cause several eye problems, including eye infection, inflammation of the cornea, redness, irritation and even vision loss. This is why it’s essential to follow a thorough contact lens cleaning process to ensure clear vision and promote good eye health in the long term.”

Learn in this detailed guide how to clean soft contact lenses, must-have essentials, different types of contact lens solutions, contact lens cleaning steps, their importance and common mistakes to avoid.

• Contact lens cleaning steps
• Must-have essentials for the best way to clean contacts
• Importance of cleaning contact lenses safely
• Common mistakes to avoid while cleaning lenses
• FAQs related to how to clean soft contact lenses

Contact lens cleaning steps

The following is a step-by-step illustration on how to clean soft contact lenses and store them.

Must-have essentials for the best way to clean contacts

A thorough contact lens care regime requires certain essentials, including:

Contact lens case – Having a clean contact lens case is as important as knowing how to clean soft contact lenses properly. A clean lens case not only promotes good eye health but also keeps serious eye infections at bay. A dirty case can easily become a breeding ground for bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that can transfer to your lenses and then to your eyes, increasing the risk of conditions like keratitis, impaired vision and even permanent damage. It’s important to rinse the case with fresh contact lens solution regularly, wipe it with a clean tissue and allow it to air dry, to significantly reduce the risk of eye infections and keep your eyes safe and healthy. Knowing how to clean a contact lens case properly is fundamental in following lens hygiene tips. Replacing your case is just as important; always follow the manufacturer's advice.

Contact lens solution – There are different types of contact lens solutions available, such as multi-purpose, hydrogen peroxide and saline solutions. However, using the right contact lens solution is necessary to ensure cleaning contact lenses safely. Always consult your optician, as they can recommend a solution appropriate for your specific lenses and eye health needs. Wondering which contact lens solution do I need? A multipurpose solution is an all-in-one option for cleaning, rinsing, disinfecting and storing lenses, while a hydrogen peroxide solution is ideal for those with sensitive or allergic eyes, as it offers deep cleaning and more hygiene. Saline solution, on the other hand, is used only for rinsing lenses before putting them in; it doesn’t clean or disinfect lenses, making it inappropriate for cleaning your soft lenses.

How to clean soft contact lenses with a multi-purpose solution

Multi-purpose contact lens solutions are comprehensive solutions for cleaning, disinfecting, rinsing, and storing contacts. Opting for this solution not only offers convenience but is also a cost-effective and time-efficient alternative, sparing you the hassle of purchasing multiple products. Follow the steps mentioned above to clean your soft contacts using a multi-purpose solution.

How to clean soft contact lenses with a hydrogen peroxide solution

Hydrogen peroxide solutions are preservative-free and can be used to clean lenses. Using hydrogen peroxide solutions to disinfect lenses can be a one or two-step process.

In the one-step method, the peroxide solution is neutralised during disinfection using a contact lens case with a built-in neutralisation disc.

In the two-step method, a neutralising tablet is added to the peroxide solution, which dissolves over time to neutralise the solution.

Follow these contact lens cleaning steps while using a hydrogen peroxide solution:

1. Wash and dry your hands thoroughly.
2. Remove the lens from your right eye and place it in the designated right basket (marked: R) within the open lens holder. Gently close the basket. Repeat this process for the lens from your left eye, placing it in the left basket and closing it carefully.
3. Now, fill the lens case to the marked line with fresh peroxide solution. Be sure not to underfill or overfill the lens case.
4. Insert the lens holder into the lens case and close the cap carefully. For the two-step system, don’t forget to add the neutralising tablet. You'll notice the solution will begin to bubble. Keep the lens case in an upright position, ensuring the lenses are completely immersed.
5. Allow your lenses to soak overnight or for a minimum of 6 hours before applying them to your eyes. It's important not to shake the lens case and to keep it upright during disinfection. You may prefer to rinse your lenses with a saline solution before applying them.
6. If you are using the two-step process, remember to add the neutralising tablet and wait for the process to complete before inserting your lenses.

Please note: Never use hydrogen peroxide solution directly in your eyes. Ensure the solution has been neutralised properly. Only use hydrogen peroxide solution if recommended by your optician.

Importance of cleaning contact lenses safely

Cleaning your contact lenses properly is crucial for many reasons:

Comfort: Cleaning lenses helps avoid the accumulation of debris and lipid deposits, leading to enhanced comfort.

Clearer vision: Dirty lenses can cause hazy or blurry vision, affecting your daily activities and making it essential to have clean lenses for clearer vision.

Eye health: Poor lens hygiene can increase the risk of eye infections and may ultimately affect your overall eye health.

Common mistakes to avoid while cleaning lenses

Avoid the following mistakes to ensure the best way to clean contacts:

• Never use tap water to clean your contacts or case
• Never put off cleaning your lenses after taking them out
• Never reuse your old solution for cleaning or storing your lenses
• Never use the contact lens solution beyond its expiration date
• Never skip rubbing the lenses for 15 seconds before storing them
• Never neglect basic lens care hygiene and not washing hands properly

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to how to clean soft contact lenses

How do you clean contact lenses for the first time?

If you're new to wearing contacts, follow your optician's instructions for cleaning, tailored to your lens care routine. Use recommended products for your specific lens type and consult your optician before making any substitutions.

Can you use a hard contact lens solution for soft lenses?

Cleaning rigid gas permeable lenses or hard lenses requires a different regime from that of cleaning soft contact lenses. You should talk to an eye care professional to know the best care system for you, as cleaning and disinfecting hard contact lenses involves using different solutions. Also, hard contact lens solution should never be used for soft contact lenses and vice versa.

How to clean a daily disposable contact lens?

Daily disposable lenses don't need to be cleaned as they are designed to be discarded at the end of the day. You should never reuse your daily disposables as they are not designed to be used again. Incorrect use could lead to dry, irritated eyes and increase the risk of infection.

Can I use water to clean my contacts?

No, you cannot use water to clean your contacts. You should never clean or store your lenses in water. Both bottled and tap water contain impurities that can damage your contact lenses and cause serious eye infections.

Is it safe to put contact lens solution in your eyes?

You should avoid putting contact solution directly in your eyes, as it contains cleaning agents meant for lenses, not eyes. Never use hydrogen peroxide solution in your eyes, as it can cause painful chemical injuries. Instead, use rewetting eye drops for added moisture if your eyes feel dry.