Rub, Rinse, Repeat: The Proper Way to Clean Contact Lenses (Especially Your Monthlies!)
Contact lenses offer a fantastic way to experience the world with newfound clarity. But this freedom comes with a responsibility: proper care. Neglecting to clean your contact lens can lead to discomfort, irritation, and even serious eye infections.
This is especially true for monthly lenses, which require consistent and thorough cleaning. Choosing a trusted provider for your contact lens, like Specsmakers, known for their quality and expert advice, is a great first step in ensuring healthy and comfortable contact lens wear.
This guide will walk you through the essential "rub, rinse, repeat" method, ensuring your lenses stay clean and your eyes stay healthy.
Why Cleaning Matters
Throughout the day, your contact lenses accumulate deposits like proteins, lipids, and debris from the environment. These deposits can:
- Irritate your eyes, causing redness, itching, and discomfort.
Reduce lens comfort, making your lenses feel gritty or foreign.
Increase the risk of infection, allowing bacteria and other microorganisms to thrive.
Proper cleaning removes these deposits, keeping your lenses clear and your eyes healthy. - The Rub: The Foundation of Cleanliness
While some multipurpose solutions advertise "no-rub" cleaning, rubbing your lenses is still the most effective way to remove deposits, especially for monthly lenses which are worn for an extended period. Here's how:
Wash your hands: Before handling your lenses, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water. Rinse and dry them with a lint-free towel.
Remove one lens: Start with the same eye each time to avoid mix-ups.
Place the lens in your palm: Gently place the lens in the palm of your clean, dry hand.
Add cleaning solution: Apply a few drops of your recommended contact lens cleaning solution to the lens. If you're unsure which contact lens solution is best for your lenses, consult with an eye care professional or the experts at Specsmakers. They can help you find the right product when you buy contact lens.
Rub gently: Using your fingertip, rub the lens in a circular motion for about 20 seconds. This mechanical action dislodges deposits effectively. Don't be too rough, but don't be too gentle either.
Rinse thoroughly: Rinse the lens thoroughly with more multipurpose contact lens cleaning solution to remove loosened debris.
The Rinse: Flushing Away the Residue
Rinsing is crucial for washing away the debris dislodged during the rubbing process. Always use fresh multipurpose contact lens cleaning solution for rinsing; never use tap water, saliva, or other unsterile liquids. These can contain harmful microorganisms that can cause serious eye infections.
The Repeat: Maintaining a Clean Environment (Your Lens Case)
Cleaning your lenses is only half the battle. Your lens case can also harbor bacteria and other contaminants. Here's how to keep it clean:
Empty the case: After inserting your lenses, empty the old solution from the case.
Rinse with solution: Rinse the case with fresh multipurpose contact lens cleaning solution.
Air dry: Turn the case upside down and allow it to air dry completely. Do not wipe it with a cloth, as this can introduce lint and bacteria.
Replace regularly: Replace your lens case at least every three months.
A Special Note for Monthly Lens Wearers:
"Monthly lenses require extra care due to their extended wear time." Here are some additional tips:
Enzyme cleaning: Consider using an enzyme cleaner once a week or as recommended by your eye care professional. Enzyme cleaners help remove protein deposits that can build up over time.
Consistent cleaning routine: Establish a consistent cleaning routine and stick to it. Don't skip cleaning, even if your lenses feel comfortable.
Regular checkups: Regular eye tests are even more important for monthly lens wearers to monitor eye health and ensure proper lens fit. For comprehensive eye exams and expert advice on contact lens, consider visiting Specsmakers when you buy contact lens.
Solution freshness: Ensure you are using fresh multipurpose contact lens solution every time you store your lenses. Never top off old solution.
Important Reminders:
Use the right solution: Always use the contact lens cleaning solution recommended by your eye care professional. Different solutions are designed for different types of lenses.
Never reuse solution: Always discard used solution and use fresh solution each time you clean and store your lenses.
Don't sleep in lenses (unless prescribed): Unless your eye doctor has specifically prescribed lenses for extended wear, remove them before sleeping.
See your eye doctor regularly: Regular eye exams are essential for maintaining healthy eyes and ensuring your contact lens are still the right fit for you.
Conclusion:
By following the simple "rub, rinse, repeat" method and practicing good lens case hygiene, you can keep your contact lens clean, comfortable, and your eyes healthy. This is especially important for monthly lens wearers. Remember, consistent and proper care, along with choosing a trusted provider like Specsmakers when you buy contact lens, is key to enjoying the long-term benefits of contact lens wear. If you experience any discomfort, redness, or vision changes, consult your eye care professional immediately.
