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Contact lenses offer convenience and comfort, but it’s important to take good care of them to keep your eyes healthy and your vision sharp.  

This is because studies show that not cleaning your lenses properly can increase your risk of developing eye infections like microbial keratitis.

These types of infection can be serious and, if left untreated, could even affect your vision.

So, it’s definitely worth putting in the effort to make sure your lenses stay safe and clean!

Here are some simple ways to take care of your contact lenses.

Start with clean hands and follow a consistent routine

Before touching your lenses, always wash and dry your hands thoroughly to avoid transferring bacteria to your eyes.

Try to establish a consistent routine, such as inserting lenses before applying makeup. This can help reduce the risk of irritation or infection.

Clean and store lenses properly

For reusable lenses, clean them daily using the recommended saline solution. Never use tap water or saliva.

Gently rub and then rinse each lens before storing it in a clean case filled with fresh saline solution.

After reinserting your lenses, throw away the solution and wash your case well using saline. Leave it to air dry.

It’s recommended to replace your lens case regularly, ideally every month, to prevent bacterial buildup.

Following recommended cleaning methods is important because improper lens care can lead to serious eye infections.

A study by University College London and Moorfields Eye Hospital found that reusable contact lens users are nearly four times more likely to develop acanthamoeba keratitis, a rare but sight-threatening infection, compared to daily disposable users.

Avoid swimming, showering or sleeping in lenses

Avoid exposing your lenses to water and never sleep in them unless advised by your optician.

The study mentioned above found that wearing contact lenses while showering increases the risk of acanthamoeba keratitis by 3.3 times, and sleeping with them in overnight increases the risk by 3.9 times.

It’s also advised not to swim in your lenses due to the risk of infection.

Choose the right lenses for your lifestyle

It’s important to select lenses that suit your daily activities and vision needs.

For instance, multifocal contact lenses are designed to correct presbyopia, allowing clear vision at multiple distances without the need for reading glasses.

These lenses are available in daily, bi-weekly and monthly options, each requiring specific care routines.

Speak to your optician about the types of lenses that would suit your needs so you can choose the right ones for you.

By following the recommended guidelines and advice from your optician, you can keep your eyes happy and healthy while making the most of your contact lenses.