When It Comes to Contacts, Cleaning, Rinsing and Storage Contact Lenses Is Key to Eye Health

If you wear contact lenses, cleaning is key to eye health. Following a proper cleaning regimen removes debris and deposits from the lenses. Lenses that are not properly cleaned can lead to eye irritation and serious eye infections, some of which may lead to blindness.

When you're first fitted for contact lenses by your eyecare professional you'll be instructed on cleaning, rinsing and storage. Different contact lenses require different care. Be sure to follow your eyecare professional's advice as well as package directions.

Need a refresher? Here's how to clean, rinse and store your contact lenses:

• Before you remove your lenses from your eyes, wash your hands thoroughly. Don't use moisturizing soaps and don't apply hand cream. Moisturizing products aren't good for your lenses. When hands are clean, dry them.
• Remove one lens. Clean it using the daily cleaner or solution recommended to you by your eyecare profession. In order to be properly cleaned, some types of contact lenses need to gently rubbed with the solution, while others do not. Follow package directions.
• When the lens is thoroughly cleaned, rinse it with saline or other solution as recommended by your eyecare professional. The rinsing step is important-rinsing removes the cleaner and other debris.
• After rinsing, place the lens in your lens holder. Fill the lens holder with a disinfecting or storage solution, which, depending on your type of contacts, may include a hydrogen peroxide solution. The amount of time your lenses should remain in the disinfecting solution depends on the type of contact lenses you have. Follow directions from your eyecare professional
• Wash and thoroughly dry your hands. Remove your other contact lens and repeat these steps.

Do you have questions about cleaning, rinsing and storing your contact lenses? When in doubt, ask your eyecare professional. Your eye health depends on it.

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