How to Properly Clean and Store Contact Lenses

Contact lenses can provide clear, comfortable vision when they are handled the right way. However, because contacts sit directly on the eye, proper cleaning and storage are essential for protecting your eye health. For contact lens wearers in Las Vegas, a consistent lens care routine can help reduce irritation, dryness, infection risk, and blurry vision.
 

At Nevada Eyecare, patients receive guidance on safe contact lens use, including how to clean, store, and replace lenses based on their specific prescription and lens type.
 

Why Contact Lens Hygiene Matters

Contact lenses collect deposits, oils, and debris throughout the day. If they are not cleaned correctly, bacteria and other irritants can build up on the lens surface. This can lead to redness, discomfort, light sensitivity, or more serious eye infections.
 

Even if your lenses feel comfortable, poor contact lens hygiene can still put your eyes at risk. Patients in Las Vegas should follow their eye doctor’s instructions closely, especially in dry or dusty environments where lenses may become uncomfortable more quickly.
 

Wash Your Hands Before Handling Contacts

The first step in proper contact lens care is washing your hands before touching your lenses. Use soap and water, rinse thoroughly, and dry your hands with a clean, lint-free towel. Avoid oily or heavily fragranced soaps, since residue can transfer to the lenses and irritate your eyes.
 

Never handle contact lenses with dirty or wet hands. Water can introduce harmful microorganisms to the lens, which is why contacts should not be rinsed, stored, or worn in tap water.
 

Clean Your Lenses With The Right Solution

Always use the contact lens solution recommended by your eye doctor. Different lenses may require different cleaning systems, and using the wrong product can affect comfort or safety. Do not use saliva, water, rewetting drops, or expired solution to clean your contacts.
 

For reusable soft contact lenses, cleaning usually involves placing the lens in your palm, applying fresh solution, and gently rubbing the lens with your fingertip before rinsing it with more solution. Even solutions labeled “no-rub” may work better when paired with gentle rubbing, depending on your doctor’s instructions.
 

Store Contacts In Fresh Solution Every Time

Your contact lens case should be filled with fresh disinfecting solution each time you store your lenses. Never “top off” old solution with new solution, as this can reduce disinfection and allow bacteria to remain in the case.
 

A few important contact lens storage habits include:

• Empty and rinse your lens case with fresh solution after each use
• Let the case air dry upside down with the caps off
• Replace your contact lens case regularly
• Keep your lenses away from tap water, pools, hot tubs, and showers
• Follow your replacement schedule for daily, biweekly, or monthly lenses

Replace Lenses On Schedule

Contacts should be replaced exactly as prescribed. Daily disposable lenses are designed to be thrown away after one use, while biweekly or monthly lenses require proper cleaning and storage between wears.
 

Wearing lenses longer than recommended can increase protein buildup, reduce oxygen flow to the cornea, and raise the risk of eye irritation or infection. If your contacts feel uncomfortable before the end of the day, it may be time to schedule a contact lens exam in Las Vegas to check the fit, lens material, and overall eye health.
 

Avoid Sleeping In Contacts Unless Approved

Sleeping in contact lenses can significantly increase the risk of complications unless your eye doctor has specifically prescribed lenses approved for overnight wear. Even then, your eyes should be monitored regularly.
 

If you accidentally sleep in your contacts, do not remove them immediately if they feel stuck. Use lubricating drops approved for contact lenses, blink gently, and allow the lenses to loosen before removal. If your eyes are painful, red, or sensitive to light, contact an eye doctor right away.
 

Schedule Regular Contact Lens Exams

A contact lens prescription is not just about vision. Your Las Vegas eye doctor also evaluates how the lenses fit, how your eyes respond to wear, and whether dryness or irritation is developing. Regular contact lens exams help make sure your lenses remain safe, comfortable, and effective.
 

Schedule a contact lens exam with Nevada Eyecare in Las Vegas, NV, located at 7361 West Lake Mead Boulevard, by calling (725) 500-5285.