Whether you are wearing Daily Wear or Extended Wear Contact Lenses or whether you are discarding them each day or after 2 weeks or more of wear, it is important to follow your eye care practitioners' instructions regarding cleaning and disinfection, carefully. By following the "how , what, why and when" of contact lens cleaning and disinfection, you will have the best and safest contact lens wearing experience.
Each type of contact lens and care product or solution will have very specific instruction for how long to rub the lenses to clean them-or not to rub them at all...how long to soak the lenses, how long to rinse the lenses and in what type of solution. Follow these instructions carefully. If you are unsure about any step you should ask your eye care practitioner to further review and explain them.
Some general guidelines should be followed for all lens types. Always wash your hands before removing or inserting the lens. Always use quality lens care products and try to clean lenses as often as possible to remove buildup. Always follow guidelines in the instructions as to minimal soaking time before wearing lenses again. Never rinse the lenses with tap water Frequently clean the lens case with solution and replace it at reasonable intervals. Your eye care practitioner can advise you on how often your case should be replaced. By following the lens care and cleaning instructions, you will have a safe and comfortable lens wearing experience.
Do you have a question about Cleaning and Disinfecting Contact Lenses? Ask an optometrist a question about cleaning and disinfecting contact lenses by clicking here.
