There are several types of soft contact lenses. Single-use contacts are thrown away every day. Extended use contacts are usable for up to a week and then are thrown away. Contacts that can require cleaning on a regular basis are: daily wear contact lenses, gas-permeable contact lenses and hybrid contact lenses. The amount of time between cleanings varies on the type of contacts you are wearing. Follow your optometrist or ophthalmologist's advice on the frequency of cleaning your specific lenses.
Step 1
Wash hands thoroughly. Particles and debris left on the hands can scratch the lens or find their way back into the eye.
Step 2
Remove the contact lens from the eye and place it into the center of the palm. It is a good idea to remove the first contact from the same eye every time. This will help prevent confusion about which contact goes to which eye during the cleaning and storing process.
Step 3
Clean the contact with a multipurpose cleaning solution for soft lenses. Apply just three to four drops to the surface of the lens. Using your index finger, gently rub the solution into the lens for about 30 seconds.
Step 4
Rinse the lens again with the same solution. This second rinse helps to remove any leftover debris from the cleaning process. This should not be a hurried process; be sure to rinse the lens very well.
Step 5
Place the lens in the appropriate side of a clean lens case. Cover the contact with the same multipurpose cleaning solution for soft lenses.
Step 6
Repeat Steps 1 through 5 for the other contact lens.
Things You'll Need
- Multipurpose cleaning solution for soft lenses
- Clean lens case
