Use a lint free towel to dry your hands.
Make a habit of taking out your lenses in the same order each night. If you are using an upright case for rigid contacts, unscrew the top and remove the lens holder. Open one side of the lens holder at a time. [3] X Research source
Some people who wear rigid contacts use a suction cup to remove them. If you use this method, make sure your suction cup is positioned directly over your contact. After each use, rinse your suction cup with contact lens solution. [5] X Research source
For example, you might see a mascara streak on your contact. This is a visible dirty spot that can likely be cleaned away with extra rubbing. On the other hand, a tiny tear on the edge is damage that can’t be corrected. If your contact is torn or otherwise damaged, throw it away.
Your lens should look like a bowl.
If you’re wearing rigid contact lenses, make sure you purchase contact solution specifically formulated for these lenses. Read the label thoroughly. Ask your doctor which solution is best for you. Always use contact solution to clean your lenses. Never, ever use water or saliva to clean your lenses. This can cause a serious infection. [9] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Do not attempt to clean daily contacts, which are only meant to be worn once. You should throw these away, as wearing them more than once increases your risk of infection.
Some solutions are labeled as “no-rub” solutions. However, rubbing always gets your lenses cleaner, so it’s best to do it regardless of which solution brand you use. If your lens is very dirty, you might flip it over and rub both sides.
If you see any visible dirt or grime left on the lens, repeat these steps to try to clean the lens. If you cannot get the lens clean, discard it. You can follow the same steps to clean your lens after it falls out or feels dirty, as long as you only use saline solution. Instead of putting your lens away, put it back in your eye.
Again, only use contact solution on your contacts. Never use plain water!
Keep in mind that some contact solutions made for rigid contacts can irritate your eye if they don’t sit out for the correct amount of time. That’s because it’s a disinfecting solution rather than a saline solution. It will neutralize over the required 6 hours. [15] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
The label on your box should also say how often the lenses must be changed. Disposable lenses can rarely be worn for longer than 1 month. If you wear rigid contacts, ask your doctor when you should purchase another pair. With proper cleaning, rigid contacts can last a year or longer.
Dump out the solution in your case after you put your contacts on each day. Do not save it for later.
Before letting your case dry, pour out all of the rinsing solution from the lens storage area. You might also let it dry upside down for a few minutes to completely drain away the solution.
As an alternative to getting a new case, you can sterilize your case by boiling it at least once every 3 months. [20] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Wear your glasses while you’re in a body of water. Wear goggles to protect your eyes while swimming. Make sure they don’t leak so your lenses aren’t compromised.
