Contact Lens Storage Between Uses
Why Proper Contact Lens Storage Matters
When contact lenses are not stored properly, harmful germs can attach to the lens surface and multiply quickly. These germs can cause serious infections in your eye, including bacterial keratitis, which is an infection of the cornea that can develop within hours of wearing a contaminated lens. Many contact lens-related infections could be prevented with proper storage habits.
Even a small amount of bacteria on your lens can cause big problems because your eye is a warm, moist environment where germs thrive. Infections from contaminated lenses can lead to pain, redness, discharge, and sensitivity to light.
Your contact lens case can become a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi if you do not clean and replace it regularly. These organisms form sticky layers called biofilms that coat the inside of your case and are difficult to remove once they form. Biofilms protect germs from disinfecting solutions, allowing them to survive and transfer to your lenses.
- Moisture in your case creates an ideal environment for microbial growth
- Tiny scratches inside the case give bacteria places to hide and multiply
- Fungi can grow even in cases that look clean to the naked eye
- Mixing old and new solution dilutes the disinfecting power you need
The most serious consequence of poor lens storage is permanent vision loss. Infections from contaminated lenses can scar your cornea, the clear front surface of your eye that focuses light. Once corneal scarring occurs, it cannot be reversed without a cornea transplant in severe cases.
Other vision-threatening complications include fungal keratitis, which is challenging to treat and often requires months of medication, and Acanthamoeba keratitis, a painful parasitic infection that can resist standard treatments. Your eye care professional may recommend stopping contact lens wear entirely if these infections develop.
Some habits and situations put you at higher risk for storage-related eye problems. Wearing your lenses longer than prescribed, sleeping in lenses not approved for overnight wear, and storing lenses in the bathroom where moisture and bacteria are common all increase your infection risk.
- Smoking reduces your eye's natural defenses against infection
- Swimming or showering while wearing lenses exposes them to waterborne germs
- Not washing your hands before handling lenses transfers bacteria to the storage system
- Using expired solutions that have lost their disinfecting power
- Sharing contact lenses or storage cases with others
Choosing the Right Storage Solution and Case
Multipurpose solutions are the most common type and work by cleaning, rinsing, disinfecting, and storing your lenses all in one bottle. These solutions contain disinfecting agents that kill bacteria and fungi during the minimum soaking time, which is usually at least four to six hours. Your eye care professional can help you choose a solution that works with your specific lens type and material.
Hydrogen peroxide systems provide highly effective disinfection and are especially helpful for people with sensitive eyes or protein buildup on their lenses. These systems require a special case with a built-in neutralizer that converts the peroxide to saline over at least six hours, making the solution safe for your eyes. Do not mix different solution types in the same case.
Never store your contact lenses in water, whether from the tap, bottled sources, or distilled varieties. Water contains microorganisms like Acanthamoeba that can cause serious eye infections that are difficult to treat and may lead to blindness. Tap water also lacks the disinfecting ingredients needed to kill bacteria and fungi on your lenses.
- Saliva contains hundreds of types of bacteria from your mouth that can infect your eyes
- Homemade salt water does not have the right balance of ingredients or any disinfecting power
- Water can cause soft lenses to change shape and stick to your eye
- Swimming pool or hot tub water exposes lenses to chlorine-resistant parasites
- Lakes, rivers, and ocean water also carry organisms that can cause severe infections
A good contact lens case should have separate wells that are deep enough to fully cover your lenses with solution and tight-fitting caps that prevent evaporation and contamination. Look for cases with smooth interiors that resist biofilm formation and clear or light-colored plastic so you can easily spot any buildup or discoloration inside.
Many eye care professionals recommend cases that come free with your solution purchase rather than decorative cases that may not seal properly. The case should be easy to open and close with one hand after you have washed your hands, and the right and left wells should be clearly marked to prevent mixing up your lenses.
Daily disposable lenses should never be stored or reused, as they are designed for single use and then disposal. Bi-weekly and monthly replacement lenses require nightly storage in fresh disinfecting solution and must be discarded according to their replacement schedule even if you have not worn them every day.
- Extended wear lenses approved for overnight use still need proper storage on nights when you remove them
- Soft lenses must always be stored wet in a compatible disinfecting solution
- Rigid gas permeable lenses may be stored in GP conditioning solution; some brands allow dry storage for short periods. Follow your lens manufacturer's guidance
- Scleral lenses are GP lenses; store per GP instructions, and fill the bowl with preservative-free sterile saline before insertion
- Colored or specialty lenses follow the same storage rules as clear lenses of the same material
- Never switch solution types for your lens material without confirming compatibility with your eye care professional
Step-by-Step Storage Between Wearing Sessions
Always wash your hands with soap and water before touching your contact lenses or lens case. Use a mild soap without heavy fragrances, lotions, or oils that can transfer to your lenses and cause irritation or cloudy vision. Dry your hands completely with a clean, lint-free towel to avoid getting water or fibers on your lenses.
If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol. Allow your hands to dry completely before touching your lenses or case.
Place one lens in the palm of your clean hand and apply several drops of multipurpose solution directly onto the lens. Gently rub the lens in a back-and-forth or circular motion with your fingertip for 10-20 seconds on each side, unless your solution labeling specifies otherwise, even if your solution claims to be a no-rub formula. This mechanical cleaning removes protein deposits, makeup, and debris that disinfection alone cannot eliminate.
- Rinse the lens thoroughly with fresh solution for 5-10 seconds after rubbing
- Never rinse lenses with water, even as a pre-cleaning step
- Use the pads of your fingers rather than your nails to avoid tearing the lens
- Clean one lens completely before starting on the second to avoid mixing them up
Before placing your cleaned lenses in the case, empty out all the old solution and fill each well with fresh solution straight from the bottle. Use enough solution to completely cover each lens, which is usually indicated by a fill line inside the case or requires filling each well to the brim. Never add new solution to old solution, as this practice called topping off reduces the disinfecting power below safe levels.
Make sure the tip of the solution bottle does not touch your lens case, your hands, or any other surface, as this can contaminate the entire bottle. Replace the cap on the solution bottle immediately after use and store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
After placing each lens in its designated well (right and left), check that the lens is completely covered by solution and not folded or stuck to the side of the case. Lenses that are not fully submerged will not be properly disinfected and may dry out, making them uncomfortable or unsafe to wear. Gently tap the case to help the lens settle to the bottom if needed.
Screw the caps on tightly to prevent solution from evaporating or spilling, and to keep out dust, dirt, and airborne contaminants. Store the closed case in a clean, dry location away from the bathroom if possible, since bathrooms tend to have higher levels of moisture and bacteria. Before inserting, consider rinsing each lens with fresh solution for comfort, following your solution's labeling.
Your lenses need a minimum soaking time of at least four to six hours for proper disinfection, so overnight storage is ideal for most people. Once lenses have been disinfected and stored properly, they can remain in sealed cases with solution for up to 30 days for most multipurpose solutions, though you should check your specific solution instructions for exact timeframes. If lenses have been stored longer than the labeled storage limit, perform a full disinfection soak for the minimum labeled time before inserting, or discard the lenses.
- If lenses sit longer than 30 days, discard the old solution, refill with fresh solution, and complete a full disinfection soak for the labeled minimum time before inserting
- Hydrogen peroxide systems neutralize after at least six hours and often allow storage for up to 7 days; check your brand's instructions
- Never store soft lenses without solution. Some RGP or scleral lenses may be stored dry per manufacturer guidance
- If you forgot how long your lenses have been stored, discard them and use a fresh pair
Follow these key steps every time you store your contact lenses to keep them safe and your eyes healthy.
- Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before touching lenses or case
- Rub and rinse each lens with fresh solution for the labeled time
- Fill the case with completely fresh solution every time
- Never top off old solution with new solution
- Ensure lenses are fully submerged and cap the case tightly
- Store the closed case away from the bathroom in a clean, dry location
Daily and Weekly Maintenance of Your Storage System
Every morning after you put your lenses in your eyes, empty all the solution from your lens case and rinse each well with fresh multipurpose solution, never water. Turn the case upside down on a clean tissue or paper towel and allow it to air dry completely with the caps off. This daily drying step helps prevent biofilm formation and reduces bacterial growth significantly.
Do not dry your case with a regular towel, as towels can harbor bacteria and leave behind lint that contaminates the case. Place the open case in a location with good air circulation where it will not be splashed by water or touched by other household members or pets. Keep the case face down on a clean tissue with caps off to promote drainage and drying.
Once a week, clean your lens case more thoroughly. Rub the inside of each well with clean fingers for several seconds, rinse with fresh solution, and allow to air dry completely.
- Use only multipurpose solution or hydrogen peroxide solution for deep cleaning, never soap or water
- Pay special attention to the cap threads where solution can collect and grow bacteria
- Allow the case to air dry completely after deep cleaning before using it again
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions for peroxide cases. Do not mix peroxide and multipurpose solutions or use a peroxide case for non-peroxide solutions
- Avoid abrasive tools or brushes that can scratch the case
- If your case develops any cracks or damage during cleaning, replace it immediately
Replace your contact lens case at least every three months, even if it looks clean and undamaged. Cases that are older than three months often have microscopic scratches and biofilm buildup that you cannot see but that significantly increase your infection risk. Many solution manufacturers include a free case with each large bottle, making it easy to replace your case regularly.
Replace your case immediately if it becomes cracked, warped, or discolored, or if you notice any cloudiness, film, or unusual odor inside the wells. Do not attempt to salvage a contaminated case; replace it immediately. If you have had an eye infection, throw away your old case and solution and start with completely new supplies once your eye care professional clears you to resume lens wear.
Keep your solution bottle in a cool, dry place with the cap tightly closed when not in use. Avoid storing the bottle in steamy bathrooms, in direct sunlight, or in hot cars, as heat and humidity can reduce the effectiveness of the disinfecting ingredients. Store the bottle upright to prevent leaking and contamination of the cap.
- Never transfer solution to smaller travel bottles, as this can introduce contamination
- Write the date you opened the bottle on the label so you know when to discard it
- Discard the bottle within the timeframe listed on the label after opening, usually three to six months
- Keep the bottle away from bathroom sinks and showers where water can splash onto it
Always check the expiration date before buying contact lens solution and before using a bottle you already have at home. Expired solution loses its ability to kill bacteria and fungi, putting you at risk for serious infections even if you follow all other storage steps correctly. Expired solution has reduced or unreliable efficacy and should never be used.
The expiration date on the bottle refers to unopened solution stored properly. Once opened, most solutions remain effective for a shorter period, typically three to six months depending on the brand. Mark your calendar or set a phone reminder to replace opened bottles within this window, even if the printed expiration date is still far in the future.
Storage Mistakes and Warning Signs of Contamination
One of the most common and dangerous storage mistakes is topping off your lens case by adding new solution to leftover old solution. This practice dilutes the disinfecting ingredients so they cannot kill germs effectively, and it allows bacteria and fungi to continue growing in the mixture of old and new solution. Every single time you store your lenses, you must dump out all the old solution and start with completely fresh solution.
Even if you removed your lenses for only a few minutes, you still need to use fresh solution for storage. The small amount of solution you save by topping off is not worth the risk of a serious eye infection that could cost you far more in medical bills and potentially harm your vision permanently.
Never reuse solution from a previous day, even if it looks clear and clean. Solution that has been in contact with your lenses has already done its job of disinfecting and is now contaminated with the germs, proteins, and debris it removed from your lenses. Reusing this solution gives bacteria and fungi a chance to multiply and transfer back onto your lenses the next time you wear them.
- The cost of a bottle of solution is minimal compared to the cost of treating an eye infection
- Contact lens solution loses its disinfecting power after one use
- Clear solution does not mean clean or safe solution
- Your eye care professional would rather you wear glasses for a night than reuse old solution
Keeping your contact lenses stored in solution beyond the recommended timeframe for your specific solution brand can lead to problems. Most multipurpose solutions keep lenses safe for up to 30 days when stored in a tightly sealed case, but after that period you should either wear the lenses immediately or discard the old solution and refill the case with fresh solution before wearing.
If you cannot remember when you last stored your lenses, it is safer to throw them away and use a fresh pair rather than risk wearing contaminated lenses. Monthly and bi-weekly lenses must be discarded according to their replacement schedule from the date you first open the package, regardless of how many times you actually wore them.
Signs of a contaminated lens case include visible cloudiness, a slimy or sticky film on the inside surfaces, discoloration or dark spots, and cracks or damage to the plastic. You might also notice an unusual smell when you open the case, or solution that appears murky or filled with floating particles. The case caps may become difficult to screw on or may not seal tightly if biofilm has built up in the threads.
- Pink or orange tinge inside the case indicates bacterial growth
- Green or black spots suggest mold or fungal contamination
- Slimy texture when you touch the inside means biofilm has formed
- Residue that does not rinse away easily signals the need for immediate case replacement
- Replace a contaminated case immediately rather than attempting to disinfect it
If you notice any cloudiness, discoloration, or unusual appearance in your contact lenses or lens case, do not wear those lenses. Immediately throw away the contaminated lenses and case, along with any solution that may have been contaminated. Wash your hands thoroughly and use a completely new case and fresh solution with a new pair of lenses from an unopened package.
Contact your eye care professional for advice if you are unsure whether your lenses are safe to wear or if you have already worn lenses that may have been contaminated. You may need an examination to make sure no infection has started, especially if you experience any redness, pain, or vision changes after wearing questionable lenses.
When to Seek Eye Care for Storage-Related Problems
Certain symptoms after wearing stored contact lenses require immediate attention from your eye care professional. Do not wear contact lenses again until you are evaluated. Seek urgent care if you develop sudden eye pain, significant redness that gets worse quickly, discharge from the eye, extreme sensitivity to light, or a sudden decrease in vision. These symptoms can indicate a serious infection that needs prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent permanent damage.
- A feeling that something is stuck in your eye that does not go away after removing the lens
- Unusual tearing or watering that seems excessive
- Swelling of the eyelid or surrounding eye tissues
- Vision that remains blurry even after you remove your lenses and wait a few hours
- Pain that continues or worsens after you have taken your lenses out
If your eye is red or painful, leave lenses out and seek same-day care.
When you come in for an emergency exam related to your contact lenses, your eye care professional will ask detailed questions about your lens wear and storage habits, when your symptoms started, and what the lenses and case looked like. Your vision will be tested and the front of your eye will be examined using a special microscope called a slit lamp to look for signs of infection, inflammation, or injury to your cornea.
In some cases, special dyes may be used that temporarily stain your eye to help reveal tiny scratches or infected areas that would otherwise be invisible. A culture or sample may be taken from your eye or the suspected contaminated lens to identify exactly which organism is causing the problem, which helps choose the most effective treatment.
Diagnosing infections from contaminated contact lenses involves both examining your eye and sometimes testing the lenses or lens case. The appearance of your cornea under magnification can often indicate whether an infection is bacterial, fungal, or caused by another organism like Acanthamoeba. Characteristic patterns may be visible such as a ring-shaped infiltrate that suggests amoeba involvement or feathery-edged infiltrates or satellite lesions that suggest fungal infection.
If a serious infection is suspected, samples may be collected from the surface of your eye using a sterile swab or small instrument. These samples go to a laboratory where technicians can grow and identify the specific organism, which typically takes several days but provides the most accurate diagnosis and helps tailor treatment to the exact cause of the infection.
Treatment for contact lens-related infections usually starts with stopping all lens wear immediately to give your eye a chance to heal. For bacterial infections, antibiotic eye drops may be prescribed that you will need to use frequently throughout the day, sometimes as often as every hour initially. More serious infections may require you to use drops around the clock, even setting alarms to wake up during the night for doses. Do not resume contact lens wear until your eye care professional confirms it is safe.
- Fungal infections require antifungal medications that may need to be used for months
- Amoeba infections often need multiple medications used together and close monitoring
- Preservative-free lubricating drops and oral pain medication may be recommended for comfort. Never use numbing drops at home
- Some infections require close follow-up visits every one to three days to monitor healing
- In rare severe cases, referral to a corneal specialist or surgical options may be necessary
Frequently Asked Questions
No, plain saline solution does not contain disinfecting ingredients and cannot kill bacteria or fungi that may be on your lenses. Storing lenses in saline is essentially the same as storing them in salt water, which provides no protection against infection. Always use a solution specifically labeled for contact lens disinfection and storage, not just rinsing or saline.
Daily disposable lenses eliminate many storage-related infection risks because they are worn once and then discarded at the end of the day. This means you do not need to clean, disinfect, or store these lenses, and you do not need a lens case or solution, which removes the risk of contamination from those sources.
- Daily disposables are a good option for swimmers or people with inconsistent wear schedules
- They significantly reduce the risk of storage-related eye infections
- You still must wash and dry hands before handling lenses
- Your eye care professional can advise if daily disposables suit your eyes and prescription
Most multipurpose solutions keep lenses safely disinfected in a sealed case for up to 30 days, after which you should either wear the lenses or dump the solution and refill with fresh solution. Hydrogen peroxide systems typically allow storage for about seven days after neutralization is complete. Your lenses themselves still need to be replaced according to their prescribed schedule regardless of storage time, so monthly lenses must be discarded 30 days after opening the package even if stored properly between wears. After prolonged storage, repeat a full disinfection soak before wear.
If you run out of solution at night, the safest option is to throw away that pair of lenses and wear glasses until you can get more solution and use a fresh pair of lenses the next day. Never substitute water, saliva, or any liquid not specifically designed for contact lenses. If you wear RGP or scleral lenses and absolutely cannot replace them, place them dry in a clean, dry case as a last resort and do not reinsert until you have performed full cleaning and disinfection the next day per your lens instructions. Do not dry-store soft lenses.
No, you should never use tap water to rinse or clean your lens case because water can introduce dangerous microorganisms including Acanthamoeba into your storage system. Always use fresh multipurpose solution to rinse your case, and allow it to air dry completely each day. The small amount of extra solution used for rinsing your case is worth the protection it provides against serious waterborne infections.
Never reuse contact lens solution even if it appears perfectly clear, because used solution has already been exposed to germs from your lenses and eyes and has lost its disinfecting power. Appearance alone does not tell you whether solution is contaminated, since many harmful bacteria and fungi are invisible to the naked eye. Fresh solution every single time is a non-negotiable rule for safe lens wear.
Yes, hydrogen peroxide systems work through a different process that requires the peroxide to neutralize completely before you can safely put the lenses in your eyes, which takes at least six hours. You must use the specific case that comes with your hydrogen peroxide solution because it contains a special disc or coating that neutralizes the peroxide. Never place lenses stored in hydrogen peroxide directly in your eyes before neutralization is complete, as this will cause severe pain and damage, and never use hydrogen peroxide in a regular lens case. Never mix peroxide and multipurpose solutions, and only use the case provided with your peroxide system.
Getting Help for Contact Lens Storage Between Uses
If you have questions about proper contact lens storage or concerns about your current storage routine, your eye care professional can help guide you toward safer habits. Your specific lens type and best solutions and storage practices can be reviewed during regular eye exams. Do not hesitate to contact your eye care professional anytime you experience unusual symptoms or suspect a problem with your lenses or storage system, as early intervention can prevent serious complications and protect your vision.