Contact lenses are easy to wear and out of the way but they do require daily care. Good contact lens hygiene lessens the risk to the cornea, decreases chance of eye irritation, and in turn reduces the risk of infection. At Vasan Eye Care we report that what is often put forth to our patients is that yes while proper lens care is for better vision also it is a daily routine which has to be followed and in addition that regular health checks and at times professional guidance from an eye specialist hospital is a must.
Why Lens Hygiene Matters
Poor contact lens hygiene may cause the growth of bacteria, dust particles, protein film, and in some cases old solutions which in turn present with issues like red eyes, tearing, burning, blurred vision, and also may cause painful infections. Also it is reported by the CDC that for prevention of eye infections it is very important that lenses be used as directed, cleaned properly and stored well. Also they put forth that before handling your contacts you should wash your hands and follow the directions of your eye care specialist.
Healthy contact lens hygiene is a practice that starts before you touch your lenses. Use soap to wash your hands, dry them with a clean towel, and do not use creams or oils before handling them. If you are unsure of safe contact lens wear visit an eye hospital for a proper fit and demo. Healthy care of your contacts begins before you touch them. Wash your hands with soap, dry them with a clean towel, and do not use creams or oils before handling. If you are not sure how to wear contact lenses safely visit an eye hospital for a proper fit and demo.
Daily Lens Care Routine
The best practices are few and far between but they must be done at every wear. What type of contact lenses you use daily, monthly, or specialty does not matter, what does is that you do not rush the process.
| Daily Step | What to Do | Why It Helps |
| Before wearing | Wash and dry hands properly | Supports contact lens hygiene and prevents germs from reaching the eye |
| While wearing | Insert lenses gently and avoid rubbing eyes | Makes how to wear contact lens safer and more comfortable |
| After removing | Rub and rinse lenses with fresh solution | Explains how to clean contact lenses correctly |
| Storage | Use fresh solution in a clean case | Maintains contact lens hygiene overnight |
| Case care | Replace the case every three months | Reduces contamination risk |
How to Clean Contact Lenses the Right Way
If you want to know about cleaning contact lenses, out of our home remedies which include tap water, do not use those. Due to health issues which may arise we recommend you follow the care instructions provided by your eye care professional, which may include rubbing and rinsing of the lenses as they have advised you to do so, also they will have given you a clean storage solution. Also as per the CDC it is very important to keep away water from your contacts and to use only the recommended solution for your particular lenses.
Many patients report that they don’t do things exactly right which is due to being in a rush. But we find that proper contact lens hygiene which is a very quick process of a minute or so can in fact prevent your eyes from getting infected. If you experience dryness or irritation post cleaning we advise that you see Vasan Eye Care for appropriate eye treatment instead of switching products which may not be the answer.
Common Mistakes and Safer Habits
| Common Mistake | Safer Practice |
| Sleeping with lenses without advice | Remove lenses unless your doctor has prescribed overnight wear |
| Showering or swimming with lenses | Remove lenses before water exposure |
| Reusing old solution | Use fresh solution every time |
| Wearing lenses during redness | Remove lenses and consult an eye specialist hospital |
| Learning from random videos | Ask a professional how to wear contact lens safely |
How to Wear Contact Lens Safely
Learning how to wear contact lens is easier when the first fitting is done under expert guidance. The lens will sit well, vision will be clear, and you won’t experience that sharp pain. Also in terms of safety with contact lens hygiene do as the professionals do follow the replacement schedule. Wearing beyond what is advised will only increase deposits and discomfort.
If you are new to wearing lenses, talk about how to wear contact lens, how long to wear them, and when to go back to wearing glasses. Also a reliable eye hospital can advise you on which type of lens is best for you, what solution to use, and will do follow up visits.
Lens Care During Travel
Travel may throw off your routine which is why contact lens hygiene becomes even more important. Pack fresh solution, an extra case, backup glasses, and extra lenses. With flights there are travel rules for contact lens solution so bring a small bottle and pack larger supplies carefully. Also note from the TSA that for bottles which are over 3.4 ounces you should put those in checked baggage.
While traveling do not trade off on proper contact lens hygiene as hotel water, swimming pools, and unclean storage is a risk for irritation or infection.
When to See an Eye Doctor
Do not ignore redness, pain, light sensitivity, discharge or sudden blurry vision. As soon as you notice these symptoms remove the lens and do not put it back in until you have had an eye check. Although good contact lens hygiene which is a practice we must all follow does reduce the risk, infections still may happen. At Vasan Eye Care we stress early care which in turn protects vision and we provide the proper eye treatments at the right time.
Conclusion
Good contact lens hygiene is a daily thing, not an occasional practice. The right contact lens hygiene routine will leave you with more comfortable lenses, better eye health, and improved vision. As patients become more aware of proper hygiene for their contacts they are less likely to do things which may put them at risk. For long term eye comfort make sure contact lens hygiene is a part of your daily eye care routine.
FAQs
To prevent infections practice good contact lens hygiene daily. Wash and dry your hands, use new solution each time, learn how to clean contact lenses, do not put them in water, rotate which storage case you use and see an eye specialist hospital if your eyes run red or become painful.
The 3: 1:1 ratio is for the most part a travel guideline for liquids in carry on bags. For contact lens users it usually means to bring travel size solution containers and to pack them properly. For safe contact lens hygiene while traveling also bring extra lenses, glasses and solution.
The 20 20 20 rule is do this every 20 minutes — look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. It is not for contact lens hygiene but it does help to reduce digital eye strain, which may also improve comfort of your contacts while on screen.
Some report that the 4 to 1 rule which means to take out your lenses for an hour after four hours of wear. It is not universal medical advice for all. It is best to determine your lens care plan with an eye care professional, in particular if you have issues with dryness, allergy, or are using other eye treatments.
Reference Links
- CDC – About Cleaning, Disinfecting, and Storing Contact Lenses
https://www.cdc.gov/contact-lenses/about/about-cleaning-disinfecting-and-storing-contact-lenses.html - FDA – Contact Lenses: Safe Use of Hydrogen Peroxide Solution
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/contact-lenses-safe-use-hydrogen-peroxide-solution
- National Eye Institute, NIH – Contact Lenses
https://www.nei.nih.gov/eye-health-information/healthy-vision/contact-lenses - National Eye Institute, NIH – Keep Your Eyes Healthy https://www.nei.nih.gov/eye-health-information/healthy-vision/how-eyes-work/keep-your-eyes-healthy