How to Clean Contacts

Contact lenses offer a convenient way to correct common vision conditions and help you see clearly. However, keeping your eyes healthy and your lenses in good shape requires a proper cleaning protocol. This is especially crucial for reusable contacts like weekly and monthly disposables, which need to be cleaned daily.

Read on for a step-by-step guide on how to clean contacts and helpful “do’s and don’ts” of contact lens care.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Contact Lenses

Many different contact lens cleaning solutions are available, so it’s important to use the one recommended by your doctor for your specific contacts. The most commonly used is a multipurpose solution.

Keep in mind that certain contacts and products may require a different cleaning process. Your eye doctor can advise you on the best contact solution for your lenses.

The steps below outline the process for cleaning contact lenses and storing them with multipurpose solution after use:

1. Wash and Dry Your Hands

Before touching your eyes or removing your contacts, wash your hands with soap and water. Then dry your hands thoroughly with a clean, lint-free towel.

2. Fill Your Contacts Case with Fresh Solution

Fill each side of a dry, sterile contact lens case with fresh multipurpose solution. It’s best to clean and disinfect your case daily. You can store it upside down to dry or dry it with a clean paper towel or lint-free cloth.

3. Remove Your Contact and Rub with Solution

Remove the contact lens from your first eye and place it in the palm of your hand. Apply a few drops of solution to the lens and gently rub each side with your fingertip. Be sure to avoid touching the tip of the bottle to your contact, hand, or any other surface to prevent contamination.

Spend about 20 seconds rubbing each side of the lens to help loosen any buildup or debris. (Note: Follow your eye doctor’s advice or the manufacturer’s instructions if they recommend a different amount of rubbing time for the solution and lenses you use.)

4. Rinse Your Contact Lens

With your contact still in your palm, add more solution to rinse the lens and remove any loosened debris. The recommended rinse time is typically around 10 seconds per side, but this can also vary depending on the manufacturer’s instructions.

5. Store Your Lens Properly

After you finish cleaning your contact lens, place it in the corresponding side of the lens case (already filled with fresh solution from Step 2) and tighten the lid. Store and soak the lenses overnight per the solution manufacturer’s instructions.

6. Repeat the Process for the Other Lens

Always start with the same eye to avoid mixing up your lenses. This is especially important if your contacts have different prescriptions.

Be sure to place your contact lenses in fresh multipurpose solution as soon as possible. Leaving them out of solution for too long can cause them to dry out, become contaminated, or develop other issues.

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Are There Other Ways to Disinfect Your Contact Lenses?

Certain types of contact lenses and some contact wearers may require alternative lens disinfection options, such as hydrogen peroxide-based cleaning systems.

Hydrogen peroxide-based solutions may be recommended when someone cannot use multipurpose solutions. This may be due to allergies or sensitivities to ingredients found in multipurpose products.

To disinfect contact lenses, these alternative systems use a special case that converts hydrogen peroxide to saline solution over the course of about 6 hours. These solutions can only be used with the case they come with. Regular contact cases are not designed or equipped to neutralize the hydrogen peroxide and cannot make the solution safe for your eyes.

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Can I Use Alternative Cleaning Methods?

Using alternative methods to clean contact lenses is not recommended. In some cases, alternatives can actually be harmful to your eyes.

When you need to clean (or store) your contacts, do not use:

• Water – Never use tap water or sterile water to clean, rinse, or store your contacts. Water can introduce microbes into your eyes that could cause serious eye infections.
• Saline – Saline solutions do not have disinfecting properties and do not clean contact lenses. These solutions can be used to rinse the lenses, if needed, after they’ve already been disinfected.
• DIY solutions – Homemade solutions of any kind should not be used on your contact lenses. These solutions may harbor harmful bacteria, which could lead to eye infections and other complications.
• Saliva – Saliva contains microbes that could be harmful to your eyes. They should never be used on contact lenses.

If you ever find yourself without the proper means for disinfecting and storing your contacts, it’s safer to throw out your lenses and start again with a fresh pair.

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Why Is It So Important to Properly Clean Your Contact Lenses?

Properly caring for your contact lenses is extremely important for keeping your eyes healthy and your contacts in good condition. Improper handling of your lenses could result in contamination or debris buildup, which could potentially lead to a serious infection or other eye issues.

Taking the proper steps to clean your contact lenses can help ensure they serve your vision needs while remaining safe to wear.

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Tips to Keep Your Contacts Clean and Sanitized

During your contact lens fitting, your eye care professional will explain how to clean your specific type of contact lenses. However, having a few extra tips on what to do and what not to do can be helpful.

What to Do

To help keep your eyes and contact lenses in top shape, consider the following tips:

• Do follow your eye doctor’s or the manufacturer’s directions for cleaning your contact lenses.
• Do replace your contact lenses as instructed and follow the wear schedule recommended by your eye doctor.
• Do wash and dry your hands completely before touching your eyes or contacts.
• Do use a rub-and-rinse technique to clean contacts, even if the solution’s packaging says otherwise.
• Do attend routine eye exams as recommended by your doctor so they can monitor your eye health, vision, and the fit of your contacts.
• Do clean and disinfect your contact case after each use to reduce the risk of bacterial buildup.
• Do replace your contact lens case at least every three months.

What Not to Do

To protect your eyes and maintain the quality of your contacts, avoid the following practices:

• Don’t use water or saliva to rewet, store, or clean your contact lenses.
• Don’t touch the tip of the solution bottle to your skin, eye, contact, or any other surface.
• Don’t reuse old contact lens solution or top off what’s already in the case.
• Don’t use contact lens solution beyond its expiration date, even if the product has never been opened.
• Don’t wear your contacts in the bath, shower, hot tub, swimming pool, lake, river, ocean, or anywhere else your eyes are likely to get water in them.
• Don’t sleep in your contact lenses unless they’re specifically designed for that type of extended wear.

If you’re ever unsure about how to clean your contacts, reach out to your eye care provider for guidance. Always follow your eye doctor’s instructions on how to handle, care for, and disinfect your contact lenses.

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Are There Contact Lenses That Don't Need to Be Cleaned?

Daily disposable contacts are a type of lens designed for one-time use. They do not require the daily cleaning and disinfecting process described above because they are discarded at the end of each day. This makes them a convenient and appealing option for people who prefer less maintenance.

If you’re interested in wearing contacts, your eye doctor can help you determine if daily vs. monthly (or even weekly) contact lenses are right for you.

By following the proper techniques for cleaning your contact lenses, you too can enjoy clear vision and healthy eyes. Visit your eye care professional to learn more about contact lens wear and care.