To enjoy good eye health, it is important to keep the contact lens case clean. If you don't follow the right daily, weekly and monthly disinfection techniques, you risk becoming a breeding ground for bacteria. You must first empty it and rinse it with a lens solution. Let it air dry to remove any contaminants. Adopt a regular cleaning schedule and you will see that you can complete the entire process in a matter of minutes.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Preparing for Cleaning
Step 1. Wash your hands
Before touching your contact lenses or case, you need to wash your hands with warm soapy water. While holding them under running water, sing the tune of "Happy Birthday to You" to make sure you wash them properly. By carefully washing them, you will avoid contaminating your eyes with bacteria that have accumulated on your hands.
- For best results, use an all-natural soap that is free from fragrances or additional moisturizers. The chemicals can end up in the carton, later irritating the eyes.
- If you intend to handle the case or contact lenses, pat your hands with a lint-free towel. This will prevent the fibers from ending up in the case and irritating your eyes.
Step 2. Empty the case
Take the case and remove the lid from both compartments (if they are closed). Set the lids aside. Turn the case upside down over the sink to discard the used solution. Shake it lightly to remove any liquid residue.
It will also be obvious, but check that the lenses are not in the case before emptying it
Step 3. Never reuse the old solution
If you notice that there is liquid left in the box, resist the temptation to pour in fresh solution to finish filling it. Recycling the old solution compromises its disinfectant properties and can cause a bacterial infection.
Part 2 of 3: Clean the Case Daily
Step 1. Clean the inside of the case
Gently wipe the interior of the compartments using a clean, lint-free cloth or finger. This will remove any biofilm residues that have become encrusted on the plastic. To perfectly disinfect the case, try to scrub the entire inner surface of the container, spending at least five seconds on each area.
Step 2. Rinse the case with lens solution
Take the bottle of the multipurpose solution and gently squeeze it onto the open carton. Rinse it off until you have satisfactorily removed all dirt residue. Don't forget to pour the solution on the underside of the lids as well.
- This is a critical step in order to prevent possible bacterial proliferation. During a study, it was found that 70% of the cartons examined had been contaminated with bacteria and other substances.
- Make sure you use the multipurpose solution your doctor has suggested to you. Using a normal saline solution or lubricant does not allow you to properly disinfect the carton.
Step 3. Avoid exposing the case to water
In general, you should avoid letting the lenses and the case come into contact with water. Do not use it to wash the case, otherwise you risk contracting acanthamoeba keratitis, an eye infection that can lead to blindness.
Step 4. Let the case air dry
After rinsing is complete, take a clean, lint-free tissue or cloth. Put the case and lids on it. Decide whether to face them up or down. Some argue that it is better to point them downwards, as this protects them from contaminants in the air, such as those commonly circulating in the bathroom.
Step 5. Refill the pouch with the solution
Once dry, you can fill it with fresh contact lens liquid. At this point it will be ready to put the lenses back in.
Step 6. Store the case in a suitable place
Always pay attention to where you put the case, during every single phase of use. Cartons are more exposed to bacteria in humid environments. If you leave the container in the bathroom, especially near the toilet, you risk being contaminated by substances circulating in the air. Keeping it on the bedside table is a good alternative option.
Part 3 of 3: Taking Care of the Case in the Long Term
Step 1. Throw away the case if it is damaged
Quickly examine it every day to see if any cracks have formed. Even a small crack in the lid can contaminate the internal compartments. Similarly, if it falls and suffers damage, it is best to replace it immediately, even if it is new.
Step 2. Wash the case once a week
Use a new toothbrush, to be used only and exclusively for this procedure. You will also need the multipurpose solution. Moisten the toothbrush with the liquid, then scrub it into the inside of the compartments and onto the lids. At this point, rinse it off with the solution and let it air dry.
- Some argue that boiling is the most effective weekly cleansing method ever. If you're going to try it, soak the container in boiling water for at least three minutes. Be very careful to avoid getting burned. Others recommend putting it in the dishwasher.
- If during the weekly cleaning you see residues of dirt or hardened biofilm, you should replace it ahead of time.
Step 3. Replace the pouch every three months
When you buy a new one, turn it over and write the date on the bottom with a permanent marker. This way you will know when it needs to be changed. Bacteria begin to accumulate in the case after only one week of use, so don't exceed three months. Don't wait until you buy another multipurpose solution box and find a new pencil case inside. Remember that the containers are sold individually in optical stores.
- According to the results of a study, 47% of contact lens wearers admitted that they never replaced the case.
- You may be tempted to keep using it if it doesn't look dirty or worn. However, keep in mind that most bacteria are not visible to the naked eye.
Step 4. Buy a bacteria resistant pencil case
Researchers have devised a contact lens case that repels bacteria. This device is still in the testing phase, but it could soon be launched on the market.
Advice
- While cleaning the carton, make sure the nozzle of the multipurpose solution bottle does not come into contact with the container or other surfaces, otherwise you risk contaminating it.
- If you don't want to bother cleaning the case, try daily lenses.
Warnings
- Note that the multipurpose solution should be used before the expiration date. It will later lose its antibacterial properties.
- Eye pain, blurred vision and redness are symptomatic of an infection, which can occur even if the case is cleaned properly. Contact your ophthalmologist immediately.
