​How do I care for my contact lenses?

 

Contact lenses, although small in size and transparent in design, still require some care, mainly when it comes to two-weeklies and monthlies. But luckily, the actual process of looking after your contact lenses is super-simple. Just follow our lead (we're the eye care experts after all), stick with the steps, and you'll ace it in no time.

 

How to keep your contact lenses clean

Caring for your contact lenses helps keep you comfortable when wearing them and prevents damage to your eyes, which could lead to eye infections such as a chalazion or a stye. Thankfully, taking care of your contact lenses is a piece of cake, you just need to get into the routine of cleaning and storing your contact lenses properly each night.

Here are 3 important things to keep in mind:

• Clean your hands thoroughly before going anywhere near your eyes, or applying your lenses. Use soap (avoid the moisturising kind) and water for at least 20 seconds, before drying with a clean, lint-free towel. When travelling, pack some soap sheets with your eye care must-haves and disinfect your hands wherever you are.

• Know your solution: ensure you're using the type of solution recommended by your eye care professional and never use water if you run out. Water contains harmful bacteria that can cause irritation and eye infections, or even change the shape of your soft lens, making it completely useless.

• Store your lenses in solution every night, so they're disinfected and deposit-free by breakfast time.

• ​

Follow a regular eye care routine

It's important to follow a regular contact lens routine, without cutting corners. Here's a step-by-step guide for the ultimate evening eye care routine:

1. The day is over, and it's time to take out your lenses before you sleep. Clean your hands well and dry them thoroughly before getting started, to ensure you get a good grip.

2. Take one lens out at a time.

3. Place the lens in the palm of your hand, covering it with a drop of your recommended solution - rub it with your finger to give it a good clean for around 30 seconds. Flip the lens over and repeat on the other side, just like cleaning the back and front of glasses.

4. Rinse the lens, pouring some more solution over it to wash away any grime or germs that might still be stuck there.

5. Put your lens into its case, and fill the compartment with multi-purpose solution, before sealing it tight.

6. Repeat the above steps for your other lens. If using hydrogen peroxide solution, ensure you follow the steps as laid out in the instructions manual as they may differ slightly.

Make sure you clean your contact lens case with solution every week: you can do this by rubbing with your fingertip to remove stubborn debris and leaving it to dry naturally. It's recommended to replace it entirely every month. It's also important to replace multi-purpose solution after every use and once every 72 hours when your lenses aren't being stored in it.