Keeping your reusable monthly contact lenses clean is vital not just for the longevity of the lenses but for your eye health as well. It only takes a few minutes and a small amount of effort each day to sterilise your lenses, so they are fresh and ready for you the next day. Whether you’re new to contact lenses or a veteran wearer, it helps to know the best practices for your daily lens care routine. Here are Clearlab’s top tips for caring for your contact lenses, starting with the essential do’s and don’ts!
Do’s and Don’ts of Contact Lens Cleaning
Do’s
Kicking off our list of things you should do is none other than washing your hands. If handwashing hasn’t already become a habit for you after COVID began, remember you should always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and dry them before touching your lenses.
Make it a habit to start with the same eye every time. This way, you can prevent unwanted lens mix-ups since you may have a different prescription for each eye. Next, clean your contacts right after removal. To do so, lay the lens on your palm, apply a few drops of contact lens solution onto it and gently rub it with one finger. Rinse thoroughly with more solution before placing it into your clean contact lens case that’s also filled with solution.
Speaking of lens cases — don’t forget to wash them regularly and replace them every three months or so!
Dont’s
Let’s move on to the things you should avoid doing. Firstly, never use tap water instead of lens solution for cleaning and storage. Tap water contains minerals and impurities — things that we definitely do not want contaminating our lenses. We also recommend avoiding the use of moisturising soaps, creams, lotions, or oily cosmetic products on your hands before touching the contact lenses, as those substances could end up irritating your eyes. Try not to use your fingernails to handle the lenses since they can cause abrasions to the lens and your eyes too.
And finally, but most importantly, don’t sleep with your contact lenses! Not only can they cause irritation and redness, but they can also increase your risk of eye infections.
Risks of Improper Lens Care
Did you know that tears can cause build-up on your contact lenses? Tears contain lipids, proteins, and calcium that accumulate on the lens surface. If left uncleaned, they can cause discomfort and blurred vision. What’s more, bacteria trapped in the lenses can also lead to inflammation and infections such as keratitis and conjunctivitis. In severe cases, that can lead to visual impairment or even blindness.
With so many potential complications that improper lens care can cause, it shows just how important taking good care of your lenses is. Not only will your eyes feel more comfortable and refreshed, but it also keeps you safe from eye health problems!
Importance of Using a Good Contact Lens Solution
By now, you should have a clear understanding of how to take care of your lenses. The number one item you need in your lens care kit? Contact lens solution! Stocking up on a high-quality lens solution is crucial to keep your lenses clean and bacteria-free.
Be sure to choose only from trusted brands like Clearlab for peace of mind. Clearlab’s Eyedia Lens Care Solution is specially formulated to remove deposits, dead and live organisms, debris, and bacteria from your lenses. It is clinically proven to help care for your eyes by lubricating your lenses to improve water retention for long-lasting moisture. Shop for quality-certified contact lens solutions, monthly contact lenses, and more at our online store!