20th, August 2019 | Oh Jinna
5 Tips On How to Clean Contact Lens Case
These days, you’ll notice how easy it is to find tips for taking care of your contact lenses, but there aren’t as many articles on how to clean contact lens case.
The popularity of contact lenses has been skyrocketing throughout the passing decades.
In fact, a report by MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly shows that there are around 45 million contact lens users in America alone.
But with the rising trend of contact lenses, you’ll be surprised that we don’t have as much tips on how to clean contact lens case.
And cleaning your cases are just as important as taking care of your lenses.
Why Take Care of Your Contact Lens Case?
First of all, let’s talk about why it’s very important to keep your contact lenses clean.
Did you know that 90 percent of contact lens users do not follow the ideal hygienic standards for proper contact lens care, according to a WebMD article.
To put things simply, you wear your contacts directly on you eyes which are very sensitive compared to the other parts of your body.
Additionally, you’ll most likely wear your most of the day, if not all, right? Now, imagine wearing a pair of lenses that are dirty and contaminated.
Then, consider the amount of time that you wear them along with the fact that they sit directly on your eyes.
Wouldn’t it feel like your putting your eye’s health at risk? So if you’re part of the rare 10 percent of people who follow proper contact lens care, you’re on the right track.
However, have you ever considered learning about how to clean contact lens case properly?
Why learn how to clean contact lens case?
Cleaning your contact lens case is as important as taking care of your lenses.
Because the effort you put into taking care of your lenses will be in vain if you store them in a filthy container.
First of all, your contact lens case is designed to keep your lenses free from harm and contamination.
So if your contact lens case is dirty, then you’ll definitely be wearing problem-filled contacts.
And if you don’t want any eye problems from dirty contact lenses, keep reading and learn about how to clean contact lens case.
Read this article if you think you’re allergic to your contact lenses: CONTACT LENS ALLERGY AND HOW TO CURE IT.
Some people find contact lenses more convenient than eyeglasses —or vise versa.
However, whether you prefer contacts over eyeglasses, we can all agree that the lenses of your contacts are more fragile compared to the lenses of eyeglasses.
That’s because contact lenses are made from a thin material that helps them fit comfortably with the shape of your eye.
The problem with these lenses are that you can easily scratch and contaminate them if you’re not careful.
And that is where your contact lens case and contact lens solution comes into play.
1. How to clean contact lens case
You might not know it but your solution manufacturers often have some tips on how to clean contact lens case.
Generally, they’ll recommend you to wash and change your contact lens case.
You should get rid of your old solution from the case right after you take out your contact lenses.
Then, you can start by rinsing the case with some new solution. After you rinse the case, it’s important that you take off the cap and let it air dry.
Read this article to find out the top 5 common eye problems: 5 Common Eye Problems That We Usually Miss.
In addition, you can also try to rub and wipe the corners of your case to help remove some bacteria or dirt build up.
For this step, you can take out your contact lenses, and then throw away the old solution.
Next, you can use your clean fingers to rub the inside of the case for a few seconds.
Afterwards, use some cleaning solution to disinfect the case, and then wipe the case with a tissue.
Finally, take the cap off of your case, place a tissue beneath it, and let it air dry for a couple of minutes.
2. Dry your contact lens case
Drying out your contact lenses are as important as cleaning them —and it’s also an important step on how to clean contact lens case Leaving your contact lens case wet right after you rinse it may cause bacteria to grow.
Although it is not very likely, it’s best if you stay on the safe side and just let your case air dry.
However, you should remember to let your case air dry in a clean and dry area.
Leaving it open in a dusty or damp space may cause more harm than good as the dust and moisture in your room can help bacteria to develop.
Finally, be sure to put your case and cap face down with a clean layer of tissue beneath it.
The tissue will help absorb any moisture left in the case and also keep dust and particles outside.
Find out the top benefits of wearing contact lenses: Top 5 Benefits of Contact Lenses.
3. Putting the right amount of solution
Do you know a little something about our third tip on how to clean contact lens case?
If you own a pair of contact lenses, it’s crucial that you do! In fact, you’re putting your eyes in danger if your not used to replacing the solution in your contact lens case.
Always keep in mind that you contact lenses need to be completely soaked in solution.
So if you’re cutting your expenses, don’t even think about reducing the amount of solution inside your case.
It’s important to immerse your lenses in solution because this will keep the whole lens disinfected and free from damage.
Remember, don’t ever reduce the amount of solution in your case and make sure to fill it up for every cleaning cycle.
Don’t add more solution to your case
Now that we’re in the topic of adding solution in your contact lens case, let’s add some extra safety tips.
Sometimes we might feel clever and try to save some money by reusing what we have. And to be honest, it’s actually a pretty good habit for a more sustainable lifestyle.
However, you shouldn’t apply this type of mentality when it comes to your contact lens solution.
In fact, you should never add more solution to a case that still has some used solution in it.
This habit, which is also known as “topping off” can lead to some serious eye infections and vision problems.
Read this article to prevent eye infections: PREVENT EYE INFECTION AS YOU KEEP YOUR CONTACT LENSES CLEAN.
So before you add any solution in your case, make sure you throw out the old solution, rinse the case properly, and let it air dry for some time.
We repeat, discard you old solution before adding any new solution! You can rinse your contact lens case with some disinfection solution and wipe it off with a clean tissue.
Finally, let it air dry by placing it face down with a tissue beneath it. Additionally, you should never use tap water to rinse your contact lens case and its cap because this could lead to bacteria growth.
4. Where to store your contact lens case
The first rule for storing your contact lens case is to avoid humid or moist places. A good example is to avoid storing them in your bathroom.
The moisture in the room can increase the risk of your case being contaminated.
Additionally, it is crucial that you keep your case away from your toilet because droplets from your toilet can definitely contaminate your contact lenses.
You should store your case in a clean dry room away from moisture and dirt.
This is especially important when you disinfect your case and leave it to dry out.
5. Should you replace your contact lens case?
Have you ever heard about biofilms? Avoiding biofilm build up is an important part on how to clean contact lens case.
A biofilm is a collection different microorganisms that can grow in the surface of your contact lens case.
Not disgusted yet? An example of a biofilm is the build up of bacterial slime that you can find on the surface of your teeth.
Grose right? Imagine having that slime in your contact lens case. Now, imagine wearing your contact lenses that have been soaked all night with those biofilms.
Read this article to separate contact lens facts from fiction: Top 5 Contact Lens Myth Debunked.
The worst part about biofilms is that it can protect bacteria from your disinfectant solution.
Additionally, your eyes aren’t capable of seeing those biofilms. As a result, physicians strongly advise that you replace your contact lens case frequently.
Don’t worry, you’ll only need to change your case at least once every three months.
How often should you replace your case?
Now that you know how important it is to change your contact lens case, the next question would be how often to replace them, right?
The answer could differ from person to person, however, we recommend that you play it safe and change your contact lens case at least once in three months.
This regiment will help you make the most of your case as well as avoid any possible biofilm build up.
Remember, the longer you keep your case, the more chance there is for bacteria to grow. And bacteria in your contacts can lead to some serious eye complications.
Conclusion
It’s not that hard to keep a safe and satisfying contact lens experience. All you have to do is maintain good hygienic habits, take care of your contacts, and make sure to clean your contact lens case.
And don’t forget to replace your solution and case frequently and correctly. And most of all, don’t forget to enjoy your vision.
Additionally, don’t forget to follow our tips on how to clean contact lens case.
References:
Risk Behaviors for Contact Lens–Related Eye Infections Among Adults and Adolescents — United States, 2016
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/66/wr/mm6632a2.htm
Warning Suggested for Contact Solutions
https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/news/20080610/warning-suggested-for-contact-solutions#1
Tips For Proper Contact Lens Care
5 Common Eye Problems That We Usually Miss
CONTACT LENS ALLERGY AND HOW TO CURE IT
CONTACT LENS CARE: PREVENT EYE INFECTION AS YOU KEEP YOUR CONTACT LENSES CLEAN
Contact Lenses or Glasses: Which is better for you?
Top 5 Benefits of Contact Lenses
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