The dos and don'ts of storing your contact lenses

Published on

January 4, 2023

The dos and don'ts of storing your contact lenses

Storing your contact lenses properly is essential for maintaining the health of your eyes and ensuring that your lenses last as long as possible. In this blog, we'll go over the dos and don'ts of storing your contact lenses to help you get the most out of your lenses. According to a survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 70% of contact lens wearers reported at least one behavior that increases their risk of eye infections. Don't be part of this statistic! By following these dos and don'ts of storing your contact lenses, you can help protect the health of your eyes and keep your lenses in good condition. Note that one of the advantages of daily lenses is that they do not need to be stored or cleaned, they are simply used once then thrown away.

How you should and should not store your contact lenses?

Do store your contact lenses in a proper storage case

It's important to store your contact lenses in a clean contact lens case fully submerged in contact lens solution when they are not being worn. This helps to prevent contamination and ensure that your lenses remain moist and ready to use. Make sure to rinse out your storage case with contact lens solution (not water) and allow it to air dry before putting your lenses back in.

Don't store your contact lenses in water

It might be tempting to store your contact lenses in a glass of water when you're not wearing them, but this is a big no-no. Water can contain bacteria and other contaminants that can cause serious eye infections, and may even result in permanent vision loss in extreme cases. Make sure to always store your contact lenses in a proper storage case filled with contact lens solution.

Do replace your storage case regularly

Your contact lens storage case should be replaced every 3-6 months, or sooner if it becomes damaged or discolored. Using an old or damaged storage case can increase the risk of eye infections and make it more difficult to properly clean and store your lenses.

Don't leave your contact lenses in the case for extended periods of time

If you're not planning on wearing your contact lenses for an extended period of time (e.g. more than a week), it's best to store them in a special lens storage solution designed for long-term storage. Leaving your contact lenses in the storage case for too long can cause them to dry out or get damaged.

Do follow the instructions on your contact lens solution

Different contact lens solutions have different instructions for use, so it's important to follow the directions on the bottle. For example, some solutions need to be discarded after a certain number of uses, while others can be reused for a period of time. Make sure to follow the instructions on your solution to get the most out of it and keep your contact lenses clean and healthy.

Do ask your optometrist for guidance if you are unsure about anything

Contact lenses are first and foremost a medical device, therefore it is a good idea to speak with your optometrist during your eye exam or contact lens fitting to discuss any questions or concerns that you may have. For example your optometrist may recommend a specific solution or give advice on how to care for your contact lenses based on your prescription, lifestyle, or contact lens modality.

Schedule a Contact Lens Exam

As always, if you have any questions or concerns about your contact lens care routine, consult with your eye doctor. Your optometrist can provide personalized advice and help you develop a care routine that works best for you.