Why Lens Care Matters
Contact lenses sit directly on your eyes, making proper hygiene essential. Poor lens care is one of the leading causes of contact lens-related eye infections, including Acanthamoeba keratitis and bacterial keratitis — conditions that can cause serious, lasting damage to your vision. The good news: following a simple daily routine dramatically reduces your risk. Browse our full selection of All Lenses with care-friendly materials.
The Golden Rules of Contact Lens Care
1. Always Wash Your Hands First
Before touching your lenses or your eyes, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Dry them with a lint-free towel. This single step prevents the majority of lens-related contamination.
2. Clean One Lens at a Time
Place the lens in the palm of your hand and apply a few drops of multipurpose contact lens solution. Gently rub the lens with your fingertip in a circular motion for about 20 seconds — even if your solution says “no-rub.” Studies show that rubbing removes more deposits and microorganisms than rinsing alone.
3. Rinse Thoroughly
After rubbing, rinse the lens with fresh solution to remove loosened debris. Never use tap water, distilled water, or saliva to rinse lenses — these can introduce harmful microorganisms.
4. Disinfect in Fresh Solution
Place the lens in a clean lens case filled with fresh solution. Never top off old solution — always empty the case and refill with new solution each time. Allow lenses to soak for the time recommended on your solution packaging (usually at least 4–6 hours).
5. Clean Your Lens Case
After removing your lenses each morning, rinse the case with fresh solution (not water), wipe it with a clean tissue, and leave it open face-down to air dry. Replace your lens case at least every 3 months, or whenever you open a new bottle of solution.
What to Avoid
- ❌ Never sleep in lenses unless your eye doctor has specifically prescribed extended-wear lenses for overnight use
- ❌ Never use tap water to rinse lenses or your case
- ❌ Never swim or shower while wearing lenses — water sources can harbor dangerous microorganisms
- ❌ Never share lenses with another person
- ❌ Never wear lenses past their replacement date — even if they feel fine
- ❌ Never ignore eye discomfort — if your eyes are red, painful, or your vision changes, remove your lenses immediately and contact your eye doctor
Storing Lenses When Not in Use
If you wear Weekly Lenses or Monthly Lenses, proper storage between wears is critical:
- Always store lenses in a clean case filled with fresh multipurpose or hydrogen peroxide solution
- Keep the case away from heat and direct sunlight
- Do not store lenses in saline solution alone — saline does not disinfect
- If lenses have been stored for more than 30 days without being worn, re-disinfect them before use (or consult your eye doctor)
Choosing the Right Solution
Not all solutions work with all lens types. Always use the solution recommended by your eye doctor or the lens manufacturer. Common types include:
- Multipurpose solution — cleans, rinses, disinfects, and stores in one step. Most convenient for daily use.
- Hydrogen peroxide systems — provide a deeper clean and are ideal for sensitive eyes, but require a full neutralization cycle (at least 6 hours) before lenses can be worn. Never put hydrogen peroxide solution directly in your eye.
When to Replace Your Lenses
Stick to the replacement schedule prescribed by your eye doctor:
- Daily Lenses — discard after each wear, no exceptions
- Weekly Lenses — replace every two weeks from the day you first open the package
- Monthly Lenses — replace every 30 days from first use
Wearing lenses beyond their recommended schedule increases the risk of deposits, discomfort, and infection — even if the lenses look and feel fine.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always follow the guidance of your eye care professional.
