CARE LENSES INSTRUCTIONS

How to Clean Your Contact Lens Case

If you wear contact lenses, you likely already understand the importance of keeping your lenses clean. Regular maintenance is the key to maintaining eye health and ensuring your lenses remain sterile.

Just like your lenses, the cases used to store them can accumulate harmful microorganisms over time. Therefore, you should clean your contact lens case every day after putting in your lenses. Experts recommend rinsing the case with sterile contact lens solution and then letting it air dry. This method helps protect both your lenses and your vision.

While cleaning your lenses and case after every use might sound tedious, it is a vital step in maintaining eye health. Let’s take a closer look at the specific steps for keeping your case clean.

4 Simple Steps to Clean Your Contact Lens Case

The cleaning process generally involves a few simple steps, though they may vary slightly depending on the type of multi-purpose or cleaning solution you use. Always follow the product instructions and any guidance provided by your eye doctor.

Before starting, ensure you have your contact lens solution, hand soap, and a clean, lint-free towel ready.

  1. Wash Your Hands The first step is to wash your hands thoroughly to prevent bacteria and oils from your fingers from contaminating the case. Use soap (preferably antibacterial) and dry your hands with a clean, lint-free towel to minimize contamination.

  2. Ensure the Case is Empty Before cleaning, make sure the case is completely empty. Ensure the lenses are removed and all residual solution is discarded. Never reuse old solution, as it may contain bacteria.

  3. Rinse the Case Rinse the case—including the caps—using fresh multi-purpose or cleaning solution according to the instructions. Always use fresh, unexpired solution; non-sterile liquids like tap water or soap can harbor bacteria or chemicals harmful to your eyes.

  4. Let the Case Air Dry After rinsing, do not wipe the case with a towel. Instead, place the case and caps face down on a clean, lint-free towel. This allows remaining solution to be absorbed while protecting the case from airborne particles. If using hydrogen peroxide solution, follow the specific instructions for draining and storing the case. Once completely dry, seal the case and store it in a clean, dry place.

When Should You Replace Your Case?

A good rule of thumb is to replace your contact lens case every one to three months. This frequency may vary depending on your lens type and solution, but you should replace it immediately if it becomes cracked or damaged. Regular replacement reduces the risk of eye infections, as cases lose their effectiveness over time. Many lens solutions include a new case as a helpful reminder to swap out your old one.

Alternatives to Reusable Lenses

If you prefer to avoid the cleaning and storage routine, there are other options available:

  • Daily Disposable Lenses: These carry a lower risk of infection and require no cleaning. Simply take a sterile lens from the blister pack and discard it at the end of the day.

  • Benefits for Allergy Sufferers: Throwing away your lenses daily also means discarding any pollen or irritants that may have accumulated on the lens surface throughout the day.