According to Science Daily, about 125 million people worldwide are contact lens users. These statistics include 28 to 38 million users in the United States and 13 million in Japan in particular. However, wearing contact lenses would also mean keeping the hygienic habit at top-notch as it could be dangerous to the eyes if not well kept. If you are a contact lens user, do you know how to keep your contact lens clean before and after using it?
In this article, you will discover if you have been cleaning your contact lens the right way all along. In addition, you might pick up a few new routines to keep them clean, especially in times of emergency.
Table of contents
Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
Why Contact Lens Hygiene is Important?
It is not surprising that the invention of contact lenses has taken the liking of the young adults market. Undoubtedly, many young adults are said to be more conscious about their appearance and their features. Not only that, convenience is the key to most young adults’ lifestyles, especially with obtaining perfect vision.
As much as it is convenient as a product, the question is, are you cleaning them right? As we have learned from our opticians, your eyes are an important organ and hygiene is a crucial habit when wearing contact lenses. What could be the reason, you may ask?
In case you haven’t heard, used contact lenses have the tendency to carry harmful bacterias. Particularly to how it is worn, it may potentially ruin and affect your eyesight if it is not cleaned the right way. Some of the crucial effects of uncleaned contact lens may lead to permanent vision loss, scarring and, or corneal abrasions. So how do you know if you are cleaning your contact lens the right way?
What Is The Right Way To Clean My Contacts?
Ask your favorite go-to optician or an eye doctor and they are definitely in it to educate you with the famous “rubbing” method. In fact, this method is one of the most famous methods used by contact lens users from the very beginning of time. So how do you go about doing this?
Before wearing your contacts
Time needed: 10 minutes
How to Clean Contact Lenses Before Wearing
- Wash Your Hands
Wash your hands so that you don’t transfer dirt and germs to your eye. Try to avoid fragrance and moisturizing free soap, as they might transfer residue to the contact lenses. Dry your hands with a lint-free towel.
- Clean with Saline Solution
Remove one lens and clean it with your saline solution. Cleaning removes eye-produced buildup, cosmetics and other debris that impairs lens comfort. Theย FDAย recommends that you rub the lens in the palm of your hand with a few drops of solution, even if you are using a “no-rub” product.
- Rinse Again
Rinse the lens again to remove the loosened debris, make sure to follow the recommended time on the package. Keep in mind that rinsing is an important step.
- Put On Carefully
Put on the lens carefully. Repeat step two to four for your other lens and you are ready to go.
After wearing your contacts
1. Wash your hands so that you don’t transfer dirt and germs to your eye. Try to avoid fragrance and moisturizing free soap, as they might transfer residue to the contact lenses. Dry your hands with a lint-free towel.
2. Remove one lens and clean it with your saline solution. Cleaning removes eye-produced buildup, cosmetics and other debris that impairs lens comfort. The FDA recommends that you rub the lens in the palm of your hand with a few drops of solution, even if you are using a “no-rub” product.
3. Rinse the contacts again to remove the loosened debris, make sure to follow the recommended time on the package. Keep in mind that rinsing is an important step.
4. Place the contact lens in your clean contact lens case or contact lens holder and fill with fresh solution; don’t “top off” your old solution. Disinfecting kills microorganisms on the contacts. Disinfection time varies from product to product; check the package for details.
5. Repeat steps two through four for your other contact lens.
It is important to take note should your contacts cause discomfort to your eyes even after disinfecting, you should carefully remove it and let your eye breathe for a little bit. Repeat the rubbing method to clean your contact lens again before putting them back on.
New Age Contact Lens Cleaning
As we are in 2021, we do know how much technology has advanced. Whether it is to have your house cleaned, your items cleaned or even your food cleaned, there is always a device for cleaning something you know of. Newsflash, there is a device specially invented to clean your contact lens too!
These devices were made convenient to help to disinfect your contacts thoroughly. It definitely works especially when you are facing emergency discomfort from your lens and you are out and about from home. It even works for lazy days when all you want to do is get your lenses off and rest your eyes. In just a few minutes, your contact lenses are clean and ready to be put on again.
Buy here > 3N Contact Lens Cleaner 5.0 PRO – 5th Generation (With Charging)
Conclusion
Now, after having to reach the end of the article, we cannot stress enough the importance of having your contact lenses clean the right way. With both workable ways to have your contact lens cleaned thoroughly, you may want to get yourself a cleaning device for days of emergency. With it being pocket size, it is definitely convenient for travel or even a day out with your friends or family.
If you are looking to get a device of your own, head on to UNIQSO where we have various designs and functions of contact lens cleaners for you to choose from. Remember, your eyes play a very important role in your daily life. So, take good care of it!
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