What are the best practices contact lens users need to know? Does it stop at only replacing your contact lens on time? There is more to just replacing your lenses to keep your eyes at optimum safety. Often, many overlook the step of also replacing their lens case and hence turn a blind eye to this routine. Are you one of them? If you find yourself nodding your head, this article is a MUST READ for you! We will be finding out the 3 W’s and 1 H – why & when replace, where to buy, and how to maintain hygiene in regards to the importance of changing your contact lens case.
Table of contents
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
WHEN Should Your Case Be Replaced?
We totally get the pain of keeping track of the duration of usage of certain things. Without a doubt, many people value getting the full use of an item maxing out its lifespan. However, for the sake of avoiding any damage caused to your eyes, do you know exactly when your contact lens case needs to be replaced?
Ideally, your cases should be replaced at a maximum usage of 3 months once. However, it is also important to take note that in any situation your contact lens case is damaged, it should be heading for the trash.
WHY Do I Need To Replace My Contact Lens Cases?
While we definitely agree that some things are meant to be maximized on the usage for the good cause of saving the earth, sadly it has to be discouraged from doing so with your lens cases. And why is that so?
You may wonder to yourself, “but I change my solution every time I remove my lens from my eyes !”. Yes, indeed changing the solution makes a difference. However, the bacteria remain within the case. It starts off with your daily touch from your fingers or your hands to the surrounding environment which leads to bacteria forming.
Because most people keep their contact lens cases in the bathroom, the chances of contamination are high. Bacteria grows quicker in a humid condition like your bathroom, so while the convenience of accessing your lens makes sense to you, it puts you at a greater risk for an eye infection.
Other than that, scientific data collected from different research studies also show that contact lens cases develop a bio-film over time. The slimy gunk formed harbors bacterias leading to the transfer on your contact lenses.
Hence, though it may not be visible, these are things you ought to know about contact lens care. Find out more here.
HOW To Maintain Optimum Hygiene of Your Contact Lens Case?
So how do you maintain your contact lens cases at the optimum practice to keep your eye hygiene to perfection?
There are two main routines you need to be reminded to follow when being a contact lens user.
1. Sanitised Your Contact Lens Case
As per eye care professionals, it is recommended to have them rinsed using a sterile solution that you use on your contact lenses. Strictly DO NOT RINSE THEM WITH TAP WATER OR PURIFIED WATER as they contain micro-organisms that can lead to serious eye conditions or worse, a loss of vision.
Time needed: 5 minutes
How to Sanitise Your Contact Lens Case?
- Finger Tips Hygiene
Have your case rinsed after you disinfect your fingertips thoroughly.
- Replace Solution
Dispose of the solution from the wells of the case and pour a few drops again.
- Rub & Rinse
Rub it for at least five seconds using the tip of your finger as an extra step of “Rub & Rinse”. This will effectively remove the biofilm that is not visible to the naked eye.
- Fill It
After rinsing the contact lens case, fill each chamber with the sterile solution to the brim.
- Repeat
Repeat your steps with the lids. For every cleansing cycle, use a fresh supply of solution to do so.
- Dry It
Then, leave your case to dry face down on a paper towel before putting your caps on again.
2. Store Them In The Right Place
As per mentioned earlier, contact lens cases are highly prone to contamination. It is important to be reminded that bacteria thrive in damp and humid environments. Therefore, your lens cases should not be stored in the bathroom or wherever it is deemed humid.
The best place to have your contact lens case stored is in your room where there is no access to direct sunlight. The heat from the sunlight may cause defects to your contact lens while being stored in the case.
Top both routines with a round of reading the instructions from the manufacturer of your contact lens and solution. This will ensure you of the things you must know before putting them on.
WHERE To Buy More Contact Lens Cases?
After all that talk about the do’s and don’ts of your contact lens cases, we hope it generates a concern to have equal care to the usage of your contact lens as well as the case.
So, when buying annual replacement contact lenses, remember to order enough of the cases. Where to buy cute & fancy contact lens cases? Head on to our website and take your pick at our unique accessories for your contact lens.
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