How To Clean My Contact Lens Case

Cleaning a contact lens case -Video

The Importance Of Cleaning A Contact Lens Case

Contact lenses provide a means to improve and sharpen your vision without having to worry about losing your glasses or the bulkiness that comes with using them. If you wear two weekly, or monthly disposable lenses it is important not to neglect your contact lens case.

To maintain healthy eyes and to extend the lifespan of your contact lenses, proper care is important, and maintenance of the contact lens case plays a major role. A contaminated lens case can lead to eye infections, damage your contact lenses, or reduce their lifespan, so cleaning it regularly cannot be overestimated.. 

Here is our optometrists' guide on how you should clean your contact lens case:

1. Daily Cleaning Routine

After removing your contact lenses from the case in the morning:

1. Empty out the old solution from the lens compartments. Never reuse the solution! It loses its disinfecting properties after one single use.
2. Rinse each compartment of the case with a fresh contact lens solution. Avoid using tap water, as it may contain impurities or harmful microorganisms and can lead to serious eye infections.
3. Shake out any excess solution 
4. Air Dry the case upside down on a clean fresh towel. The drying process will help prevent the growth of harmful microbes.

2. Weekly Deep Cleaning

Even with daily rinsing, you should give your lens case a more thorough cleaning at least once a week:

1. Fill each compartment with contact lens solution and let it sit for a few minutes.
2. Use a clean toothbrush (reserved solely for this purpose and for nothing else) to scrub the inside of the case very gently. This will help in removing any biofilm or deposits that might have built up over the week.
3. Rinse thoroughly with fresh contact lens solution.
4. Air dry the case completely exactly as described above for your daily routine.

3. Monthly Replacement

While proper cleaning can significantly reduce the risk of contamination, wear and tear on the lens case itself can create small crevices or gaps where bacteria can hide and grow. To keep your eyes as healthy as possible you should consider replacing your lens case every month or at the very least every three months. Most contact lens solutions include a free case in the packaging, making regular replacements easy and cost-effective.

4. Avoid Common Mistakes

1. Never use tap water: Never use tap water! Always use a fresh contact lens solution for rinsing and storing your lenses.
2. Avoid "topping off": Always empty the case of the old solution before adding a new solution. Mixing old and new solutions dilutes the disinfecting capability of the solution.
3. Keep the case closed: Whenever you’re not using the case and once it's dry, always close the lid to prevent dust or any other contaminants from going inside.

5. Travel Tips

If you're on the move, you should consider buying a travel-sized contact lens solution and case. If taking your regular solution and case with you, give your case a thorough cleaning before you travel, and once you reach your destination make sure you maintain your regular cleaning routine.

6. Watch for Signs of Contamination

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the case can become contaminated. Be on the lookout for:

a. Discolouration of the case
b. Persistent unusual odour
c. Any change in the texture inside the compartments

If you notice any one of the above signs, replace your contact lens case immediately!

Conclusion

A clean contact lens case is essential when it comes to maintaining healthy eyes. While the steps might seem boring initially, they will quickly become a part of your daily routine. With just a few minutes each day, and an extra few minutes for a more thorough clean once a week, you can reduce the risks of contamination and infections.