Storing Contact Lenses

Contacts are kept in a storage case when the lenses are not being used. Improper storage of contact lenses is one of the causes of eye infection, but problems like infection are very easy to avoid if you just take a few simple precautions. The Kellogg Eye Center at the University of Michigan notes that contacts should be cleaned, disinfected and stored properly to kill germs and avoid infection. Storing your lenses the right way makes them last longer and keeps your eyes healthy.

Difficulty:Moderately EasyContact lens storage caseStorage solutionDisinfecting solution1
Wash your contact lens case every day. Use hot water and allow the case to air-dry. Some doctors suggest using disinfecting solution instead of water to avoid contamination from bacteria that can live in tap water. Check with your doctor if you are unsure.
2
Fill the clean storage case with the storage solution recommended by your eye care practitioner. Different types of lenses require different solutions, so it is imperative that you use the correct type of solution. If you do not know, check with your eye doctor. Replace solution daily even if you are not wearing your lenses regularly, unless your eye doctor gives you different instructions.
3
Do not leave your lenses in saline solution for more than the recommended time, usually 24 hours. Saline solution is for rinsing and moistening lenses, but bacteria can grow in most saline solutions after a certain period of time.
4
Replace your contact lens storage case every three months. Contact lens cases are similar to toothbrushes: they harbor bacteria and daily cleaning helps, but frequent replacement is necessary to keep your lenses sanitary and your eyes healthy.
Frequently check expiration dates on your storage and disinfecting solution and discard outdated solution.
Never reuse storage solution. When you take your lenses out of the case, discard any solution and clean your case immediately.