3. How to clean your contacts

Jun 19, 2020

“How To Clean Your Contact Lenses” is the third video in a three part series aimed to help you learn the ins and outs of contact lens wear. Don’t forget to also check out “How To Put In Your Contact Lenses” and “How to Take Out Your Contact Lenses.”

Video Transcript

This is our friend James. James doesn’t wear daily disposables, so he’ll need to clean his lenses. Cleaning his lenses will prevent them from deteriorating prematurely, and most importantly, prevent infections. Well James, are you ready to learn how to clean and store your contacts overnight? Ok then, here we go.

Cleaning your contact lenses and case

Here’s what you’ll need: a solid colored towel, lint-free if you have one, multi-purpose lens solution, and of course your contact lens case.

First, begin by thoroughly washing and drying your hands. Then, place your towel over the sink to keep your lens from going down the drain if you drop it. Next, remove one of your contact lenses and place it in the palm of your hand so it looks like a tiny bowl.

(rub, rinse, soak)

When cleaning your lenses, remember: rub, rinse, and soak.

First, rub. Squeeze a little solution onto your lens and gently rub your finger back and forth over the lens for about fifteen seconds.

(15 seconds later)

Next, rinse. Pick up your lens by pinching the sides together. Then squirt your solution over the lens and let it rinse both the inside and outside.

Then, soak. Place the lens into your clean, dry case and squeeze enough solution over the lens until it’s covered. Put the cap on the lens case and let your lens soak in the fresh solution. The caps should indicate whether they’re for the right or left lens. Nice work, James. Now repeat the process for your other lens.

It takes about six hours for the solution to clean your contacts, so letting them sit overnight is perfect. Good job James, and goodnight.

Morning, James. Same clothes, I see.

Ah, fresh, clean lenses.

After you’ve put your contacts in, you’ll want to discard the solution left in your case from the previous night. Now squeeze a little solution into each cup and gently rub your finger around inside. Discard the solution and rinse with fresh solution one last time. Leave your case out, upside down with the caps off to air dry throughout the day. This way you’ll have a clean, dry case to put your lenses back into tonight. You’ll also want to make sure that you replace your case at least every three months for the healthiest peepers possible.

Congratulations, James. You are officially a contacts cleaning pro.

1-800 Contacts. Never run out of contacts.

1. How to put in your contacts

2. How to take out your contacts


 
Cleaning your contacts and case is a simple—but important—step. Follow these easy steps and your contacts will stay in tip-top shape.

What you’ll need

  • Contact lens case (if you don’t wear daily disposables)
  • Contact lens solution
  • Sink
  • Mirror
  • Clean countertop
  • Unscented, lotion-free soap
  • Solid-colored, lint-free towel

Clean those mitts

Would you like an eye infection? We didn’t think so. Properly washing and drying your hands is an important step any time you’ll be touching your lenses. Wash your hands with an unscented, lotion-free soap and dry with a lint-free towel. Perfumes, lotions, and lint can all lead to irritation. When you’re done prepping your hands, place your towel over the sink to keep your lens from going on an adventure down the drain.

Rub, rinse, and soak

When cleaning your lenses these three words will help remind you what you need to do: rub, rinse, and soak. After you’ve washed your hands, remove one lens from your eye and place it on your palm so it looks like tiny bowl. Squeeze a little solution into the bowl and gently rub your finger back and forth over the lens for about fifteen seconds.

Next, pick up your lens by gently pinching it between your fingers. Squirt your solution over the lens on both sides to thoroughly rinse it off.

Finally, soak. Place the lens into your clean, dry case and fill with solution until your lens is completely covered. Don’t forget to put the cap on that indicates whether it’s for the right or left eye. Repeat the process for the other eye and leave your lenses to soak in the solution. Letting your lenses soak for 6+ hours is best for a complete clean.

Cleaning your case

After your lenses have had a chance to soak, you’ve washed your hands, and your lenses are back on your peepers, you’ll need to clean your case.

First, discard any remaining solution. Now squeeze solution into each cup and gently rub your fingers around inside the cups. Discard this solution and rinse with fresh solution one more time. Leave your case out, upside down on a clean towel with the caps off to air dry. It’s important to clean your case every day and replace your case at least every three months for the healthiest eyes possible.