How to store monthly contact lenses

Contact are a convenient and popular alternative to eyeglasses for correcting vision. Monthly lenses are particularly popular as they can be worn for up to 30 days before being replaced. Proper storage of monthly contact lenses is essential to ensure their longevity, cleanliness, and effectiveness in providing clear vision. Here are some tips on how to store monthly contact lenses effectively.

1. Wash Your Hands: Before handling contact lenses, it is crucial to wash your hands thoroughly with mild soap and dry them with a lint-free towel. This prevents any dirt, oil, or bacteria from transferring onto the lenses, which could cause eye irritation or infection.

2. Use a Proper Contact Lens Case: Using a suitable contact lens case is essential for storing your monthly lenses properly. Choose a case that is clean, small, and specifically designed for contact lenses. Avoid using sharp objects or improvised containers as they may damage the lenses.

3. Rinse the Case: Before placing your lenses in the case, make sure to rinse it well with a sterile saline solution or multipurpose contact lens solution. This step removes any previous residue, reducing the risk of contamination.

4. Fill the Case with Fresh Solution: Fill the contact lens case with fresh multipurpose contact lens solution, ensuring that each compartment is adequately filled. Avoid using tap water or homemade solutions as they may contain harmful microorganisms.

5. Place the Lenses Correctly: Using clean fingers, remove one lens from its packaging and place it carefully in the appropriate side of the contact lens case, depending on the prescribed order (right or left eye). Repeat the process for the second lens, using the other side of the case.

6. Close the Case Securely: Once the lenses are securely in place, close the case tightly to prevent any leakage and minimize the chance of contamination. Make sure the cap is properly aligned with the grooves and sealed correctly.

7. Store Lenses in a Cool, Dry Place: It is essential to store your contact lens case in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Excessive heat or moisture can damage the lenses or affect the effectiveness of the contact lens solution.

8. Replace Solution Regularly: Regularly replacing the contact lens solution in the case is necessary to maintain proper lens hygiene. Follow the instructions provided with your specific solution to determine the appropriate frequency of changing the solution.

9. Clean and Replace the Case: Dirty contact lens cases can harbor bacteria and compromise the cleanliness of your lenses. Clean the case regularly with a sterile saline solution or multipurpose contact lens solution, and remember to replace it every three months to minimize the risk of contamination.

10. Follow Your Optometrist’s Guidelines: Finally, always follow the specific storage and handling instructions provided by your optometrist or eye care professional. Each individual’s needs may vary, and they might recommend additional measures or specific products to ensure optimal lens storage.

By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your monthly contact lenses are stored correctly, keeping them clean and safe for extended use. Proper storage practices contribute to maintaining excellent eye health and clear vision, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of contact lenses to the fullest.