Contact Lens Cleaning
When it comes to contact lenses, there is nothing more important than cleanliness. It may help to think of it in terms of preparing for surgery. Would you want a surgeon to begin a procedure without washing is his or her hands? Would you mind if he or she didn’t thoroughly clean the instruments?
Before removing your contacts from your eyes, it is imperative you wash your hands with soap and warm water. Never touch your contacts -- or your eyes for that matter -- with hands that have not been cleaned. This is an invitation for a number of bacterial or viral infections, including the common cold, flu, and conjunctivitis.
Contact Lens Solutions
For best results, use a multi-purpose solution that can be used to both clean your contacts and store them. Though you may have a no-rub solution, the FDA recommends you rub your contact lenses against the palm of your hand. This will loosen any protein build up and extend the life of your lenses.
Let your lenses soak in multi-purpose solution for at least four hours. Some manufacturers insist you let them soak for eight hours, but a minimum of four should be sufficient. This hydrates your lenses and ensures that all the bacteria have been neutralized.
Before handling your now-clean contacts, be sure your hands are clean. Failure to wash your hands defeats the purpose of the cleaning routine and, again, opens the door to a host of potential infections and complications. Refreshing your eyes requires a bit of discipline and a good supply cleaning solution.