How to clean and care for contact lenses

Learn how to look after your contact lenses and keep them comfortable

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Keep your reusable contact lenses and your eyes at their best

It only takes a few minutes to clean your reusable contact lenses with the appropriate solution to help maintain excellent lens comfort and eye health. Establishing a good routine is the best way to help keep your eyes happy and healthy in contact lenses.

Make lens cleaning part of your daily routine

Below are general guidelines that can help you care for your reusable contact lenses, but you should always follow the cleaning instructions prescribed by your Optician.

Wash your hands

Ensure your hands are washed, clean and dry to avoid irritation.

Fill your contact lens case

Fill the case with fresh contact lens disinfecting solution; Remember to use a clean solution every time you take off your lenses.

An illustration of someone cleaning a contact lens with solution in the palm of their hand

Clean the lenses

In the palm of your washed, cleaned and dried hand, apply a few drops of the disinfecting solution. With one finger, gently rub back and forth.

An illustration showing the application of contact lens solution to a contact lens in the palm of a hand

Rinse the lens

Use more of the disinfecting solution to rinse the contact lenses, then place into your clean contact lens case.

An illustration of a contact lens case with the right lens case open and a contact lens resting inside

Store in the disinfecting solution

Put the lenses in their case, close it, and leave them to soak overnight.

Four steps to follow for daily contact lens case hygiene

Empty: Drain your contact lens case. Never re-use or 'top-up' the solution.
Rinse: Rinse your case with fresh contact lens solution. Never use tap water. Then wipe case with clean tissue.
Air-Dry: Allow the case to air-dry, keeping the case open and upside down on a clean tissue.
Replace: Replace your contact lens case on a regular basis, ideally every month.

Contact lens dos and don'ts

Do

Wash and dry your hands before touching your contact lenses.
Put contact lenses on first, before any facial products or makeup.
Remove your contact lenses and call your Optician if you experience redness, changes in vision or discharge.
Establish a routine: replace lenses on the same day of the week, remove lenses in the same order, etc.

Don't

Use tap water to clean your contact lenses or lens case.
Wait to clean your contact lenses after you take them off.
Wear your contact lenses longer than the recommended replacement schedule your Optician gave you.
Sleep in your contact lenses.

More tips for everyday comfort

Your eyes naturally have a layer of moisture, but sometimes your lifestyle can throw this balance off. Here are a few common areas that may cause discomfort, and ways you can stay on top of things.

Beauty Routine

Woman applying contact lens in bathroom mirror.

Put your contact lenses on before you apply facial products or makeup.
Using water-resistant mascara and eyeliner can help to prevent flaking or smudging.
Hypoallergenic or oil-free make-up and make-up removers are the best choice when wearing contact lenses.
Avoid wearing contact lenses when having your hair dyed or permed as the chemicals can cause irritation to your eyes.
If using hairspray, try to apply it before putting on your contact lenses. If you have contact lenses on already, ensure you close your eyes when applying hairspray.
If your eyes are swollen, red or infected, contact your optician and don’t wear make-up or contact lenses.

A woman touching her eye while running outdoors.

What usually causes eye irritation?

Mild red eyes can happen with or without contact lenses but it’s usually temporary and nothing to worry about. Some causes of red eyes are:

Being tired
Allergies
Wearing contact lenses longer than recommended
Sensitivity to contact lens materials or solutions

IMPORTANT NOTICE: If your eyes are red and you are experiencing pain or impaired vision, remove contact lenses if you are wearing them, and contact your Optician immediately.

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Get to know common eye conditions

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, our eyes get sick. Learn about some common eye problems and conditions, their causes, symptoms and how they're treated.

Eye Conditions

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Footnotes

All ACUVUE^® contact lenses have UV Blocking to help provide protection against transmission of harmful UV radiation to the cornea and into the eye. UV absorbing contact lenses are NOT substitutes for protective UV absorbing eyewear such as UV absorbing goggles or sunglasses because they do not completely cover the eye and surrounding area. You should continue to use UV absorbing eyewear as directed by your optician.

*T&Cs apply: 1 trial per person. 18+. Professional consultation and fitting fees may apply and are not included. Subject to Optician approval. Participating Opticians only. For full terms and conditions see here.

Important information for contact lens wearers: ACUVUE^® Contact Lenses can be used for vision correction. An Eye Care Professional will determine whether contact lenses are right for you. Although rare, serious eye problems can develop while wearing contact lenses. To help avoid these problems, follow the wear and replacement schedule and instructions on proper lens care. Do not wear contact lenses if you have an eye infection, any eye disease or systemic disease, that may affect the eye, or if you are allergic to any ingredients. If you experience eye discomfort, excessive tearing, vision changes, redness or other eye problems, remove the lens and contact your Eye Care Professional immediately. For more information, including warnings and precautions, carefully read the Instructions for Use.

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