Are you new to wearing contact lenses? Or someone who is thinking about getting contact lenses wants to learn everything there is to know about them? Well, you’re in the right place! In this blog post, we’ll be walking you through some contact lens hygiene tips. So, be sure to make a mental note of the main pointers you need to remember. 

You’ve probably already heard concerned relatives or friends talk about how contact lenses could affect your eyes if not cleaned properly. And they are right. Keeping your contact lenses clean is very, very important. Fortunately, it’s also quite simple.

 By following a few simple cleaning routines and practices you can avoid pain, inflammation and even scarring of the cornea that’s caused by unhygienic lenses! 

Here are 7 tips you can follow while you deep clean contact lenses and their cases to prevent any unfortunate accidents or infections. 

#1. Always, Always wash your hands 

After the pandemic, the importance of washing hands for more than a minute has become quite apparent. Whether you wear them daily, weekly, or monthly, wash your hands thoroughly with soap before wearing or removing your contact lenses. If  possible, use antibacterial soap and a lint-free towel to dry your hands. Oil or lotion-based soaps might haze or soil your lenses, so avoid them.

#2. Use a fresh solution EVERY TIME!

Use fresh contact lens solution when you’re storing your contacts overnight. Adding a new solution to the old solution already in the case has previously led to cases of acanthamoeba keratitis, a rare but painful infection that's difficult to treat. Under any circumstance, DO NOT use tap or sterile water, saliva, saline solution or rewetting drops to store your lenses. None of these serve to disinfect and properly clean your contact lenses.

#3. Wear goggles when swimming 

Water contains pollutants and germs, which can damage your contact lenses and cause eye infections. Keeping this in mind, it is recommended that you do not swim while wearing contact lenses and instead use protective equipment such as goggles. Another option is to use daily disposable lenses with protective swimming goggles over them. But once you've got out of the water, don't forget to throw away the lenses right away.

#4. Avoid sleeping with your lenses on  

Sleeping with your contact lenses on can cause eye inflammation, irritation, and infection. Also, it's important to allow your cornea to breathe at night. So before you go to bed, remember to take off your contact lenses. Even if you're wearing specialized lenses that can be worn overnight, avoid sleeping with your contacts on. This will also help your eyes get enough rest and remain healthy. 

#5. Pay close attention to your contact case 

Cleaning and disinfecting the case is as important as contact lens hygiene!. When not in use, rinse your lens storage case with the lens solution, wipe it off with a clean tissue, and set it aside to dry on a fresh tissue or a paper towel. Keep the case's bottom side up to prevent dust and dirt from settling on it. You should also make sure to replace it every three months.

#6. Follow care instructions 

This is more common sense than a tip. But it is important enough to be mentioned on the list. Along with your eye doctor's recommendations, the instructions that come with your contact lenses, contact lens case, and contact lens cleaning solution are designed to give the greatest care and performance for the specific lens you are wearing. So be sure to go through them and follow them accordingly. 

#7. Get regular eye check-ups 

Make regular appointments with your eye doctor, even if your eyes seem fine. Contact-lens-related concerns are occasionally discovered during routine examinations before the eyes become irritated. If your eyes get itchy, red, or watery, remove your contacts right away and consult a doctor if your symptoms don't improve or get worse.

If you are looking for the best eye hospital in Mangalore, check out Prasad Netralaya. Besides learning how to deep clean contact lenses, if you want to know more about contact lenses or even get a prescription, visit their website to book an appointment. They are staffed with the best eye specialists in Mangalore and are also available for teleconsultations!