A large part of the population has difficulty in the quality of their vision, related to this, professionals express that the prolonged use of artificial light at close range worsens the magnitude of myopia in infants with a genetic predisposition. On the other hand, electronic screens generate eye fatigue, blurred vision, and headaches. In addition, hygiene is one of the most important factors in preventing infections, not only to the health of our eyes but also to our long-term vision.
One of the ways to correct vision is to use corrective glasses and contact lenses, also known as contact lenses. However, handling, care, and cleaning are delicate concerning the latter. They require special proper cleaning is soft and merits special treatment to ensure that they are kept free of bacteria, infections such as conjunctivitis and last longer.
Previously, we revealed the most effective methods to clean glasses without scratching them. Today we tell you how to clean reusable contact lenses properly at home without damaging them, which cleaning fluids are recommended, and how to care for them properly.
Recommendations for contact lens cleaning
Reusable contact lenses can be made of one or more weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annually. Unlike disposables (used once and thrown away), these are cleaned and stored until the next use, which is why to keep them in good condition and prevent infection, it is important to ensure that they are kept in a safe place. good maintenance and follow the pertinent steps for optimum hygiene..
- Before handling the contact lens, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry them with a lint-free towel.
- Once your hands are clean, empty both receptacles from the case and fill them with fresh disinfectant solution.
- When done, place one of the lenses in the palm of your hand and add a few drops of fresh disinfecting solution (not the same as in the case) over the lens to rinse it.
- Rub with the fingertips gently on each side to remove any dirt or debris from the surface.
- Rinse again with more solutions and place it back in the solution-filled case.
- Do the same process with the other pair, put them away, and let them soak until the next use.
Please note: Avoid touching the lenses with your fingernails since, in addition to scratching or breaking them, this area harbors a high amount of bacteria and dirt.
How to clean the contact lens case?
It is time for a mandatory cleaning if you notice any stains or dirt on the case. Follow these steps:
- First of all, empty and clean the surface with disinfecting solution or specific cleaning products for new sterile contact lenses.
- Rub with your fingers and rinse the lens holder again with fresh solution.
- Leave it lying open face down to dry and replace it when the professional or the label on the case indicates it.
Note: Do not use oil-based or perfumed soaps, as they may fog or soil the lenses.
Products or liquids for cleaning contact lenses
You must know that common water should not be used for their preservation, as it will not be properly disinfected, and the transmission of germs to the eye will be more likely. So, if you do not have special cleaning products for this purpose, it is advisable not to use contact lenses. If you use any removable contact lenses more than once, you should disinfect them with a special liquid to keep them clean and free of harmful germs. These are the most recommended:
- Enzymatic cleaner: Pour one enzymatic tablet into each lens compartment. Wait for them to dissolve, then add your contact lenses. Leave them inside for the necessary time (usually 15 minutes).
- Eyedrops: They serve to lubricate the eye and rewet contact lenses. Be sure to choose a suitable and safe brand for contact lenses.
- Daily protein remover: Fill the two wells of the lens case with the multi-purpose solution, then add one drop of daily protein remover to each well.
Pay attention to the expiration dates of contact lens solutions, especially those without preservatives. Non-preservative saline solutions that are not aerosol should be discarded two weeks after opening to reduce the risk of contamination.
Cleaning reusable contact lenses: Final Tips
Do not mix contact lenses for the left and right eyes. Please get in the habit of putting in and taking out the same side first so they don’t get confused.
- Before putting them on, check that they are not damaged or upside down.
- The lens should be cup-shaped. If it is inside out, it will have the shape of a saucer, with the edges facing outward.
- To put it on, rinse it with saline solution and place it on the tip of the index finger of your dominant hand, pull the lower eyelid down with the middle finger of the same hand, and, with the other hand, lift the upper eyelid to place the lens on the eye without blinking gently.
- When you have finished, close your eyes slowly and blink lightly a couple of times.
Don’t forget that contact lenses vary according to your visual conditions, preferences, and, of course, you’re budget. Keep in mind that contact lenses have different sensitivities and chemical incompatibilities concerning cleaning, which is why there is a disinfecting liquid solution or “contact lens fluid” specifically formulated to keep them clean, fresh, moist and free from sources of eye infections.
Always consult your trusted eye care professional before choosing a solution to ensure it is compatible.