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 Eye Care Professional.

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 first lens

by placing it in the clean, dry palm of your hand. Apply a few drops of contact lens disinfecting solution, and with one finger gently rub the lens back and forth to clean the lens surfaces.

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

Rinse the lens

Thoroughly with a few more drops of the prescribed solution, then put the lens 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

Repeat this routine for your other lens, close the case and leave your lenses to soak. Refer to your contact lens solution instructions for details on how long to soak your contact lenses or how often to change the solution if you don’t wear them every day.

How to clean your contact lens case

Here are 4 steps to follow to maintain the hygiene of your container

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 contact lens container 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 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 Eye Care Professional if you experience redness, changes in vision or discharge.
Establish a routine: Replace lenses on the same day of the week, remove lenses from 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 Eye Care Professional gave you.
Sleep in your contact lenses. Learn more about Sleeping with 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

Black woman with short curly hair and white tank top putting in contact lenses in a mirror

Contact lenses and make-up: Follow the right beauty routine

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 Eye Care Professional and don’t wear make-up or contact lenses

Woman with dark hair and blue top out for a run, touching her eye due to an irritation

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 Eye Care Professional immediately.

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Get to know common eye ailments

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

* Please note professional eye examination and fitting fees may apply. GCC residents 18 or over only. One trial per person. Eligibility subject to Eye Care Professional approval. Participating Eye Care Professionals only. See link for full terms and conditions.

All ACUVUE^{^®} Brand Contact Lenses have Class 1 and Class 2 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 subglasses because they do not completely cover the eye and surrounding area. UV transmission measured with -1.00D lens.

For more information on proper wear, care and safety, talk to your Eye Care Professional and read the Instructions for Use.

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