Contact Lens Care: Your Complete Guide to Healthy Eyes

Wash your hands thoroughly with a mild, non-moisturizing soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Dry them completely with a clean, lint-free towel before touching your lenses. This simple step is crucial to reduce the risk of transferring bacteria, viruses, or other debris to your lenses and eyes. Avoid using antibacterial soaps that contain moisturizers, as these can leave residue on your hands that transfers to your lenses.

Even if you use a solution labeled as no-rub, the rub and rinse technique is recommended for the most effective cleaning. Place the lens in your clean palm with a few drops of fresh contact lens solution. Gently rub the lens with your finger for about 10 to 20 seconds to remove surface buildup and biofilms. Afterwards, rinse both sides of the lens thoroughly with more fresh solution before placing it in the storage case. This mechanical cleaning action is one of the best ways to remove debris and germs.

Tap water, bottled water, saliva, and homemade saline solutions are not sterile and can introduce dangerous pathogens to your eyes. These can include bacteria, fungi, and even parasites like Acanthamoeba, which can cause serious, vision-threatening infections that are very difficult to treat. Only use sterile contact lens solutions made specifically for cleaning and storing your lenses. Water can also cause your soft contact lenses to change shape, making them uncomfortable or difficult to wear.

Always discard the old solution from your lens case and refill it with fresh disinfecting solution each time you store your lenses. Never top off or add new solution to old solution, as this significantly reduces the cleaning power and allows germs to grow. Fresh solution contains active ingredients at full strength that work to kill bacteria and other microorganisms overnight.

Our ophthalmologists can recommend the best solution for your specific lens type and eye needs. Multipurpose solutions offer convenient all-in-one cleaning and disinfecting, while hydrogen peroxide systems provide deeper cleaning for sensitive eyes or stubborn protein buildup. Never mix different types of solutions, and always check that your solution is compatible with your specific lens brand and material.

Multipurpose solutions are a popular all-in-one option that can be used to clean, rinse, disinfect, and store your lenses. Hydrogen peroxide systems provide a very deep clean without preservatives, which is great for sensitive eyes or if you have reactions to multipurpose solutions. However, they require a special case with a neutralizing disc or tablet, and you must wait for the solution to fully neutralize, usually six to eight hours, before it is safe to put the lenses in your eyes. Never put lenses directly from hydrogen peroxide solution into your eyes without neutralization.

Saline solution is simply a sterile saltwater solution that is balanced for your eyes. It is only for rinsing lenses and has no cleaning or disinfecting properties. Using it in place of a proper disinfecting solution will not kill germs and leaves you at high risk for an infection. Always use a product specifically labeled for contact lens disinfection.

No, you should always follow the replacement schedule recommended by our ophthalmologists, even if your lenses feel fine. Over time, invisible deposits of proteins and lipids build up on the lens surface, which can reduce oxygen flow and create a breeding ground for bacteria, increasing your risk of complications. Comfort is not a reliable indicator of lens safety.

Remove the damaged lens immediately and throw it away. Do not try to continue wearing a torn or ripped lens. The rough edges can scratch your cornea and cause pain, irritation, or an infection. Replace it with a fresh lens. If you experience continued discomfort after removing the torn lens, contact our office for evaluation.

End-of-day dryness is a common issue that can be caused by many factors, including deposit buildup, environmental conditions like air conditioning or screen time, or your own tear quality. You can try using rewetting drops made specifically for contact lenses. If the problem persists, schedule an appointment to discuss trying a different lens material or brand designed for better moisture retention, or ask about our dry eye treatment options.

It is best to switch to glasses if you have an eye infection, a cold or flu, or severe allergies. Germs can transfer from your hands to your eyes more easily when you are sick. Allergies can cause itching and discharge that make lens wear uncomfortable and can lead to more deposits on the lens. Your eyes need extra care when your immune system is fighting off illness.

If you run out of solution, you should remove your lenses and wear your glasses until you can buy more. Never use water or any other liquid as a substitute. If you are traveling, it is always a good idea to bring a travel-sized bottle and a backup pair of glasses. Our optical department can provide recommendations on portable solution options.

Signs of a contact lens related infection include persistent redness, pain that does not improve after removing your lenses, discharge, severe light sensitivity, and vision changes. These symptoms require immediate attention. Contact our office right away if you suspect an infection, as early treatment is essential to prevent permanent vision damage.