American Optometric Association™
Top 5 Recommendations for Clean and Safe Contact Lenses
1.
Carefully and regularly clean contact lenses, as directed by an
optometrist and the patient information included with lens care
products.
2.
Rub the contact lenses with fingers and rinse thoroughly before soaking
the lenses overnight in enough multi-purpose solution to completely
cover the lens.
3. Store lenses in the proper case and replace the lens storage case every three
months. Clean the contact lens case after each use and keep the case open and dry between cleanings.
4.
Use the proper products to clean and disinfect contact lenses as
recommended by your optometrist. Remember that saline solutions and
rewetting drops are not designed to disinfect lenses.
5.
Only fresh solution should be used to clean and disinfect contact
lenses. Never re-use old solution. Contact lens solution must be changed
everyday, even if the lenses are not used daily.
When wearing or cleaning contacts:
Do not use cream soaps to clean contact lenses. Cream soaps can leave a film
on the hands that can be transferred to the lenses.
Never
put contact lenses in the mouth or moisten them with saliva, which is
full of bacteria and a potential source of infection.
Don't
use tap water or homemade saline solutions. Improper use of solutions
has been linked to a potentially blinding condition among soft lens
wearers.
Never use contacts that have not been prescribed by an eye doctor. Contact lens wearing is not an option for everyone; consult with an optometrist to see if it's an appropriate option.