Contact lens care

Caring for your contact lenses

For lenses that are re-used, rather than worn once and discarded, the following guidance applies:

• After removing your contact lenses it is essential that you disinfect them. This prevents harmful organisms building up on the lens.
• Your contact lens practitioner will advise you of the best contact lens system and care regime for your type of lenses. This may include additional cleaning procedures, such as rubbing or rinsing.
• Disinfection involves soaking your lenses in solution in a storage case for a specific period of time. Never re-use disinfecting solution or top up; it must be discarded and replaced with fresh solution each time the lenses are stored. Only use the care products recommended by your practitioner and follow the instructions carefully.
• Rinse your storage case, leave it open to dry after use each day, and replace monthly. A dirty case is a major source of infection. Clean the storage case using a clean toothbrush and contact lens solution on a weekly basis.

Useful tips for contact lens care

The following tips apply to all contact lens types:

Do:

• wash, rinse and dry your hands thoroughly before handling your lenses
• have an up-to-date pair of glasses for when you need to remove your lenses
• replace the lenses at the interval specified by your practitioner
• have regular check-ups with your practitioner as recommended
• seek professional advice if you are having problems with your contact lenses.

Don’t:

• go to bed with a painful red eye – seek advice immediately
• bring any contact lens into contact with tap water
• wet your lenses with saliva
• wear your lenses for swimming.

You can get more information about contact lenses at the British Contact Lens Association.