How to clean and store your contact lenses

Why is contact lens care important?

Correct contact lens care is essential to maintaining good eye health and keeping your eyes safe from infection and irritation. Storing your lenses in solution overnight keeps them hydrated, clean and comfortable for daily use.

Unlike daily disposables, which are thrown away after one use, two weekly and monthly lenses need to be cleaned and stored every night. The first step to storing your lenses is removing them correctly. You can read our lens fitting guide here.

How do I clean and store my contact lenses?

1) Wash your hands with soap and clean water, then dry them with a clean paper towel.

2) Take out one lens and place it in the palm of your hand.

3) Pour your chosen solution over the lens and gently rub it in circular motions. Continue for around 30 seconds. This breaks down proteins and debris that have built up over the day.

4) If you’ve used a peroxide solution to clean the lens, then follow up with a saline solution to rinse. Once again, gently rub the saline solution over the lens for 30 seconds. If you’ve used a multi-purpose solution to clean, then use it a second time to rinse.

5) Fill a clean contact lens holder with either hydrogen peroxide or multi-purpose solution. Saline solution isn’t suitable for storing lenses.

6) Repeat all steps with the second lens.

Which types of solutions are there?

Multi-purpose solution – this solution can be used to clean, rinse, disinfect and store lenses. Multi-purpose solutions make the daily cleaning process faster and eliminate the need to purchase both disinfecting and storing solutions. We stock a wide range of multi-purpose solutions at Feel Good, including ReNu Multi-Purpose Solution, Biotrue Multi-Purpose Solution, Opti-Free PureMoist, and comfi All-in-One Solution.

Saline solution – this pH balanced saltwater solution is used for rinsing and storing lenses. It can be used in combination with enzymatic cleaning tablets to clear up debris and protein in lenses. It’s important to note that saline solutions are not suitable for disinfecting contact lenses. Our range of saline solutions include Sensitive Eyes Plus and Lens Plus Solution.

Hydrogen peroxide solution – this solution is effective in disinfecting contact lenses. It does, however, need to be neutralised after use to ensure no remains are left on the lens that could cause irritation. You can either rinse your lenses with a saline solution after disinfecting, or add a neutralising tablet to your lens case. However, most packs of hydrogen peroxide solution come with a specialised contact lens case that features a built-in neutraiser, meaning you won’t need to add a tablet. Our range of hydrogen peroxide solutions include: AOsept Plus HydraGlyde and Oxysept 1 Step.

Useful tips for contact lens care

• Always make sure you’ve thoroughly cleaned your hands before handling contact lenses. Dirty hands are the easiest way for infections to enter the eye
• Water is not appropriate for cleaning your lenses and can lead to infection. Never use water to clean or store your lenses
• Empty any old solution out of your contact lens case, then scrub it with a brush or cloth, before rinsing it out with fresh multi-purpose or saline solution and leave it to air dry
• Replace your contact lens case every 3 months