How to Properly Clean and Store Contact Lenses

Contact lenses can provide clear, comfortable vision when they are used correctly. However, proper cleaning and storage are essential for keeping your eyes healthy and reducing the risk of irritation, infection, or lens damage. Whether you are new to contacts or have worn them for years, a consistent routine can make a big difference in your comfort and eye health.

The Importance of Contact Lens Care

Contact lenses sit directly on the surface of your eyes, so they need to stay clean and free from buildup. Oils, protein deposits, makeup, dust, and bacteria can collect on lenses throughout the day. If lenses are not cleaned or stored correctly, they may cause redness, dryness, discomfort, or more serious eye infections.

Good contact lens hygiene also helps your lenses perform the way they should. Clean lenses can support sharper vision, better comfort, and a smoother wearing experience.

Start with Clean Hands

Before touching your contact lenses, always wash your hands with soap and water. Dry them with a clean, lint-free towel so small fibers do not transfer to your lenses. Avoid using oily soaps, lotions, or heavily scented products before handling contacts, since residue can stick to the lens surface and irritate your eyes.

Use the Right Contact Lens Solution

Only use the contact lens solution recommended for your lenses. Do not clean or store contacts in water, saliva, or homemade saline. Water can contain microorganisms that are unsafe for the eyes, and saliva is not sterile.

For reusable lenses, place the lens in your palm, apply fresh solution, and gently rub the lens with your fingertip unless your eye doctor has instructed otherwise. Rinse with solution before storing it in a clean contact lens case.

Contact Lens Cleaning Tips to Follow

A safe contact lens routine should include:

• Using fresh solution every time you store your lenses
• Emptying and rinsing your lens case after each use
• Letting the case air dry completely
• Replacing your contact lens case regularly
• Following the recommended wearing and replacement schedule
• Removing lenses before sleeping unless approved by your eye doctor
• Avoiding swimming or showering while wearing contact lenses

These simple steps can help reduce buildup, contamination, and unnecessary irritation.

Store Your Contacts Properly

When you remove your lenses, place them in a clean case filled with fresh contact lens solution. Never “top off” old solution with new solution. Used solution loses its disinfecting strength and may allow germs to remain in the case.

Keep your contact lens case closed when your lenses are soaking and store it in a clean, dry area. Avoid leaving it near sinks, toilets, or damp surfaces where bacteria can spread more easily.

Know When to Replace Your Lenses

Contact lenses are designed for specific replacement schedules, such as daily, biweekly, or monthly wear. Wearing lenses longer than recommended can increase the risk of dryness, blurry vision, discomfort, and eye infections.

Daily disposable lenses should be thrown away after one use. Reusable lenses should be replaced according to your prescription schedule, even if they still feel comfortable.

Why Regular Eye Exams Matter for Contact Lens Wearers

Regular eye exams are an important part of healthy contact lens wear. Your prescription, eye shape, tear film, and overall eye health can change over time. During a contact lens exam, your eye doctor can check that your lenses still fit properly, evaluate your cornea, and look for signs of dryness, irritation, or infection.

Routine exams also give you the chance to ask about different contact lens options if your current lenses feel dry, blurry, or uncomfortable. The right fit and material can help improve both comfort and long-term eye health.

Schedule a contact lens exam at RCP Eyecare to make sure your lenses fit properly, your prescription is up to date, and your eyes stay healthy and comfortable. Contact any of our seven locations in San Antonio or Selma, Texas. Visit our website to book an appointment or call our office in Quarry Village (210) 988-6897, Northwoods (210) 545-3183, Shops at Westpointe (210) 866-7555, La Cantera (210) 641-2405, Bandera Pointe (726) 208-6454, Ingram Festival (210) 520-0335, or The Forum (210) 659-1479.