Key takeaways about contact lens care:

• Proper cleaning removes buildup and helps prevent germs that can lead to eye infections.
• Soft and hard (RGP) contact lenses require different cleaning methods and solutions, so it’s important to use the right products and steps.
• Washing your hands, avoiding water exposure, keeping lens cases clean, and getting regular eye exams all help keep your eyes healthy and your lenses safe to wear.

Contact lenses are a convenient option for people who prefer not to wear glasses, enjoy an active lifestyle, or want a clear, hassle-free way to see the world. Like any vision correction tool, however, they require proper care to keep them safe and effective.

Whether you’re new to contact lenses or have been wearing them for years, following the correct care routine is essential for protecting your eye health and maintaining comfortable vision.

How to take care of contact lenses

Contact lenses are simple to care for when you follow the right routine.

One of the most important steps is cleaning and disinfecting your lenses each time you use them. This helps remove debris and buildup that can affect your vision, while also reducing the risk of germs that can lead to eye infections.

Keep in mind that soft contact lenses and Rigid Gas Permeable (hard) lenses require different cleaning and disinfecting methods, so be sure to follow the care routine specific to your lens type.

Steps to clean soft contact lenses

Soft contact lenses are usually cleaned and disinfected with saline, daily cleaners, or a multipurpose solution made specifically for them.

Daily cleaners and saline do a good job of cleaning your lenses, but they don’t disinfect them. So it’s important to also use a solution designed to kill germs and help prevent eye infections. As such, many contact wearers choose to use a multipurpose solution that cleans and disinfects all at once to eliminate extra steps.

How to use multipurpose contact solution

Note: Always follow the care instructions provided by your eye doctor, as well as the guidelines from your contact lens and cleaning solution manufacturers, to properly clean and store your lenses.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers the following guidelines for properly using multipurpose solutions to clean soft contact lenses:

• Each time you remove your lenses, gently rinse and clean them with your fingers before placing them in a case filled with fresh disinfecting solution.
• Never reuse or mix old solution with new, since this can weaken its ability to kill germs.
• Avoid using tap water to clean lenses or the lens case.
• Pour out any leftover liquid and wipe the case dry with a clean tissue.
• Let the case air-dry upside down with the caps off on a clean tissue to help prevent bacteria from building up.

Steps to clean hard contact lenses

If you use hard contact lenses, cleaning and disinfecting them is a different process.

Note: Always follow the care instructions provided by your eye doctor, as well as the guidelines from your contact lens and cleaning solution manufacturers, to properly clean and store your lenses.

The National Eye Institute recommends the following to care for hard contact lenses:

• Hard contact lenses typically require multiple products for proper wetting and soaking, as well as cleaning and disinfecting.
• Never leave lenses sitting only in soaking solution overnight. Always complete the full cleaning and disinfection process.
• Use a storage case with ridges on the bottom to prevent sticking.
• If lenses become dry, allow them to soak in solution for at least four hours before wearing them again.
• When using a suction tool to remove lenses, be sure to keep it clean with contact lens solution after every use.

Other tips to care for your contact lenses

Along with proper cleaning and disinfecting, taking care while wearing your contacts helps prevent serious eye infections and keeps your lenses in good condition.

• Don’t wear contacts if your eyes are red or irritated.
• Water and contacts don’t get along. Avoid swimming, showering, or participating in anything in which your contacts could get wet while in use.
• Water and saliva should never be used to clean or wet lenses.
• Always wash your hands before handling and placing your contacts.
• If you wear daily lenses, don’t sleep in them.
• Always bring an extra pair of glasses in case you’re unable to wear or experience an issue with your contact lenses.
• Don’t miss eye exams! Keep your checkups to make sure your contacts are the correct shape, fit properly, and are the right prescription.

Discover more ways to care for your vision here: “Can exercise protect your vision?”