Cleaning & maintaining contact lenses, how do you do it?

The careful maintenance and thorough cleaning of your lenses is one of the most important factors in preventing infections and other problems that can not only affect the health of your eyes, but also your long-term vision.

It is therefore a topic that should be viewed with the necessary seriousness.

Here are a number of things you should and shouldn't do when cleaning your contact lenses, and we'll also talk about the reasons behind them.

How to clean your lenses

Wash your hands with soap and water before touching your lenses.

If possible, use antibacterial soap, and always dry your hands with a clean towel. Do not use oil-based soap, as this can contaminate your lenses and should be avoided at all costs.

Use a fresh product for cleaning your lenses each time.

Do not use tap or sterile water, saliva, saline solution, or moisturizing drops to clean your lenses. None of these agents will be able to adequately clean and disinfect your lenses.

Rub your contact lenses with your fingers, and then rinse the lenses with a fresh lens cleaning solution.

Studies have shown that rubbing and rinsing is the best way to clean lenses, even when it comes to so-called 'no rub' lens cleaning products. Make sure you don't touch your lenses with your fingernails. Not only are they sharp, but they are also a welcome base for germs and dirt.

Also rinse the lens case thoroughly with a fresh lens cleaning product, turn the case over and let it air dry.

Do not rinse the case with water, as this may contain impurities and micro-organisms. Also, do not store the case near the toilet or in a damp place, as this allows all kinds of harmful germs and substances to accumulate.

Other ways to keep your lenses clean

• Do not transfer your lens care products to smaller containers when traveling or storing them, as this may compromise the sterility of the solution.
• Always keep the solution bottle closed and avoid contact with surfaces or objects when using it.
• Replace the lens case at least every three months.
• Never wear your lenses for more than 30 days after the first opening of the solution.
• Avoid smoke and other pollutants, as they can get into your eyes and cause irritation and infection.

Always follow the instructions given by the doctor or manufacturer carefully

The instructions accompanying your lenses, the lens case, and the products for cleaning your lenses, as well as the doctor's guidelines, are specifically designed to ensure that you can maintain and clean your lenses in the best way, and also get the maximum return with a guarantee of the best possible vision.

Keep in mind that your doctor is your first and best ally to get your eyes and your vision in optimal shape.

Make an appointment with him or her annually to ensure that your lenses and the associated maintenance and cleaning products are still the best solution for your specific eyes and your way of life.