Proper Lens Care After Removal
From the American Optometric Association
Contact lenses are all taken care of differently; this is a sample of how most soft contact lenses are cared for after removal in conjunction with a multipurpose solution (rub and rinse times may vary depending on solution manufacturer). Hydrogen peroxide care systems are different from below. Keep in mind that daily disposable contact lenses are removed each night and thrown away so no cleaning is required.
- Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling your contact lenses.**1
- Always work with the same lens first (example: always remove your right lens first or your left lens first).
- Remove one lens and place it in the palm of your hand.
- Apply multipurpose contact lens solution and rub the lens for about 20 seconds on each side (actual rub time depends on the solution manufacturer’s instructions). **2,3,4
- Rinse the contact lens with the multipurpose solution for about 10 seconds on each side (actual rinse time depends on the solution manufacturer’s instructions). **2,3,4 Never use tap water to rinse your lenses as it has been shown to significantly increase the risk of severe ocular infections.**5
- Place the contact lens into a clean, dry lens case and then completely fill the well of the case with multipurpose solution.
- Repeat steps three through six with the other eye’s lens.
- Soak the lenses according to the manufacturer’s recommended soaking time. This time will vary with depending on the brand of solution, but is usually between four and eight hours.**3,4,5
- Read the solution packaging thoroughly for instructions about lens cleaning and always follow the manufacturer recommended procedure.
- Dispose of your contact lens case every one to three months. Overuse of a case can result in significant eye infections due to bacterial contamination.**6,7 A new case is typically provided with each new bottle of solution purchased.
- Always rinse your case with fresh solution and allow it to air dry in the morning before reusing it. Never “top off” your solution - doing so increases your chances of a contact lens related complication.**8
Video on how to use Opti-Free Solution by Alcon
**
- The American Optometric Association. “What You Need To Know About Contact Lens Care and Compliance.” Brochure. Available http://www.aoa.org/Documents/public/AOA-contact-lens-hygiene.pdf
- Alcon Optifree PureMoist Multipurpose Solution Package Insert. Available: http://www.opti-free.com/pdfs/OFPureMoist_us_en.pdf
- MO Revitalens OcuTec Multipurpose Solution Guidelines. Available: http://www.amo-inc.com/products/corneal/multi-purpose-solution/revitalens-ocutec-multi-purpose-disinfecting-solution
- Bausch + Lomb Biotrue Multipurpose Solution FAQs. Available: http://www.bausch.com/our-products/contact-lens-care/soft-lens-multi-purpose-solutions/biotrue-multi-purpose-solution/biotrue-solutions-faq
- Mutoh, Tetsuya, et al. "A retrospective study of nine cases of Acanthamoeba keratitis." Clinical ophthalmology (Auckland, NZ) 4 (2010): 1189.
- Szczotka-Flynn L, Pearlman E, Ghannoum M. Microbial Contamination of Contact Lenses, Lens Care Solutions, and Their Accessories: A Literature Review. Eye Contact Lens 2010 Mar;36(2):116-129.
- Gray TB, Cursons RT, Sherwan JF, Rose PR. Acanthamoeba, bacterial, and funga contamination of contact lens storage cases. Br J Ophthalmol 1995 Jun;79(6):601-5.
- Dumbleton, Kathryn A., et al. "The relationship between compliance with lens replacement and contact lens-related problems in silicone hydrogel wearers." Contact Lens and Anterior Eye 34.5 (2011): 216-222.
Alcon Opti-Free
Wearing Contacts
Contact lenses do’s and don’ts
Dr. Kevin Snipes & Associates
Contact Lens Information Guide
Do:
- Always wash your hands before handling contact lenses.
- Carefully and regularly clean contact lenses, as directed by your optometrist. If recommended, rub the contact lenses with fingers and rinse thoroughly before soaking lenses overnight in sufficient multi-purpose solution to completely cover the lens.
- Store lenses in the proper lens storage case and replace the case at a minimum of every three months. Clean the case after each use, and keep it open and dry between cleanings.
- Only fresh solution should be used to clean and store contact lenses. Never Re-use old solution. Contact lens solution must be changed according to the manufacturer's recommendations, even if the lenses are not used daily.
- Always follow the recommended contact lens replacement schedule prescribed by your optometrist.
- Remove contact lenses before swimming or entering a hot tub.
- See your optometrist for your regularly scheduled contact lens and eye examination
Don't:
- Use cream soaps. They can leave a film on your hands that can transfer to the lenses.
- Use homemade saline solutions. Improper use of homemade saline solutions has been linked with a potentially blinding condition among soft lens wearers.
- Put contact lenses in your mouth or moisten them with saliva, which is full of bacteria and a potential source of infection.
- Use tap water to wash or store contact lenses or lens cases.
- Share lenses with others.
- Use products not recommended by your optometrist to clean and disinfect your lenses. Saline solution and rewetting drops are not designed to disinfect lenses
The difference can be subtle, but before placing a contact lens on your eye, make sure it looks like half a ball, not a soup bowl with a rim
As a company policy we do not release additional trails lens after the FDA approved wearing period is reached. More contacts can only be obtained by purchasing a supply of your contact lenses.
Follow up Visits: No Charge, Included in initial evaluation fee
- Wear lenses to 1-2 hours prior to visit
