Cleaning contact lenses is an important part of maintaining good eye health and ensuring that your lenses are comfortable to wear. Here are some steps to follow to properly clean your contact lenses:
Wash your hands thoroughly: Before handling your contact lenses, make sure to wash your hands with soap and water. This will help to remove any dirt, oil, or bacteria that could contaminate your lenses.
Rinse your lenses: Rinse each lens thoroughly with contact lens solution to remove any debris or deposits.
Rub your lenses: Using your index finger and thumb, gently rub each lens for about 20 seconds to clean it. This will help to remove any remaining debris or deposits and ensure that your lenses are clean and ready for use.
Rinse your lenses again: After rubbing each lens, rinse it again with contact lens solution to remove any remaining cleaning solution.
Disinfect your lenses: Once your lenses are clean, place them in the appropriate storage case and fill the case with fresh contact lens solution. This will help to disinfect your lenses and keep them clean and comfortable to wear.
Replace your storage case regularly: Your storage case should be replaced every three to six months, or as directed by your eye doctor. Old or damaged cases can harbor bacteria and lead to eye infections.
Also Read: Should I Wear Glasses or Contact Lenses?
Not cleaning your contact lenses properly can lead to a number of potential problems and complications. Some of the risks of not cleaning your contact lenses include:
Eye infections: Bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms can build up on your contact lenses, leading to eye infections. These infections can cause symptoms such as redness, itching, pain, and discharge, and can sometimes lead to serious complications such as vision loss.
Allergic reactions: Allergens can accumulate on your contact lenses, leading to allergic reactions such as redness, itching, and swelling. In severe cases, allergic reactions can cause difficulty breathing and other serious symptoms.
Corneal abrasions: If your contact lenses become dirty or contaminated, they can scratch your cornea, the clear, front surface of your eye. This can cause pain, redness, and blurred vision, and can sometimes lead to more serious complications.
Dry eye syndrome: If your contact lenses become dirty or contaminated, they can prevent your eyes from receiving enough oxygen, leading to dry eye syndrome. This can cause symptoms such as dryness, redness, and irritation, and can make it difficult to wear your contact lenses comfortably.
By cleaning your contact lenses properly and regularly, you can help to reduce the risk of these problems and ensure that your lenses are clean, healthy, and comfortable to wear.
Always follow the instructions provided by your eye doctor and contact lens manufacturer, and never use tap water to clean your lenses.
Dr. Johnson at iCare Family Vision in St Louis Park is an expert in fitting contact lenses. If you are interested in getting fitted for contacts, please schedule an appointment today.