How to wear contact lenses safely

Inserting a foreign object into your eye is never trivial. Our eyes are delicate, which is why wearing contact lenses can sometimes lead to complications, including vision loss. Careful maintenance of contact lenses is essential to prevent such eye problems. Here are a few reminders to help you practice safe lens care.

With the arrival of disposable lenses and all-in-one cleaning and disinfecting systems, contact lens hygiene has become much simpler. However, it remains crucial. The basic steps usually include cleaning, rinsing, and disinfecting the lenses every day.

Tips for a good lens hygiene

Before handling your lenses, always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to avoid transferring bacteria that may be present on your skin. If you remove your lenses, clean them with a solution recommended by your eye care professional. This step helps eliminate cosmetics, protein deposits produced by the eye, and other debris that can affect comfort.

Some lens care products require rubbing the lens in the palm of your hand with a few drops of solution, while with others, rinsing is sufficient.

Avoid at all costs using water—or worse, saliva—to moisten or clean your lenses. These fluids contain microorganisms that can cause serious eye infections. Once the cleaning step is complete, rinse the lenses thoroughly. Then, place them in a clean case filled with the appropriate solution. Repeat the same process for the other lens. The lenses must soak long enough for disinfection—a process that kills microorganisms—to be effective. The required soaking time varies depending on the product and is indicated on the packaging.

Should you clean your contact lens case?

Yes. Contact lens cases should be cleaned regularly and replaced every three months. They can be washed with hot water and left to dry when not in use. Additional care steps may sometimes be necessary, depending on the type of lenses, your usage, and your eye sensitivity. If needed, your eye care professional may recommend other products, such as an enzymatic cleaner or lubricating drops for dryness, to improve comfort.

Before switching to a new contact lens care product, always consult your eye care professional. Some substances are not compatible with certain solutions or with specific types of contact lenses, and this can damage your lenses or harm your eyes. If, despite good hygiene, you feel discomfort while wearing your lenses, speak to your eye care professional. They can verify whether your cleaning and soaking technique is appropriate and recommend products for sensitive eyes if necessary.

If your eyes become red, watery, painful, your vision becomes blurry, or you notice any other abnormal signs, stop wearing your lenses immediately and consult your pharmacist or eye care professional.