When did you last replace your contact lens case? Has it been so long you don’t remember?
We know the value of getting full use from household items. But whether it’s a towel, toothbrush or toaster—eventually, things need to be replaced. For your vision health, replacing your contact lens case at least every three months is important for avoiding irritation and infection.
You Change The Solution, But Bacteria Remains
You should already be changing your contact solution every day. But over time, bacteria from your fingers and the surrounding environment build up in the case. And because most people keep their contact lens case in the bathroom, there’s a high chance of contamination. One recent study found tens of thousands of bacteria in just a small volume of one participant’s contact solution, despite the fact he used fresh solution every day!
Know When To Replace, And How to Sanitize
We recommend getting a new contact lens case at least every three months. In the meantime, follow these simple tips to keep it as bacteria free as possible:
- Always wash hands with soap and water before handling contacts.
- Every day, empty contact solution out of the case, wash with solution and clean fingers.
- Let the case air dry, upside down on a paper towel, before putting caps back on.
- Boil the case in water for 5 minutes, then rinse with solution to sanitize between replacements.
Also, avoid letting the tip of the solution bottle touch the case, as it can carry bacteria and contaminants.
Clean Contacts Preserve Good Vision
Eyes are especially sensitive to bacterial infection, and dirty contacts not only leave you with itching, irritated eyes, but they can also pose a threat to your long-term vision health. So remember to replace that case! Our aim is to help you establish good habits that will keep your eyes healthy and comfortable! That’s why our doctors love to talk with you one-on-one about your specific eye care needs. Thanks for reading, and for letting us be a part of your vision health team!
Call us at 407-292-9812 to schedule an appointment.
Top image by Flickr user Lee Haywood used under Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.
