Contact Wear & Care Tips
Proper contact lens care is important for keeping your eyes free from infection. Only your eye care provider can determine which contact lens care system is best for you
How to put on contact lenses?
- Before you start, wash your hands with soap then rinse and dry on a lint free towel.
- Next check that the lens isn’t inside out. If the edges flare out, it’s inside out.
- Using your dominant hand, gently hold your upper eyelid with one finger so you don’t blink or get your eyelashes in the way, and carefully pull down your lower eyelid with your other fingers.
- Look upward as you place it on your eye, and slowly release your eyelid and close your eye for a moment to allow the lens to settle. Repeat for your other eye.
What do I need to know about cleaning my contact lenses?
- Always wash your hands.
- Establish a habit of starting with the same eye. This way you won’t mix them up, since each eye may have its own prescription.
- Always clean your contact lenses immediately after you remove them using the multipurpose disinfecting solution. If you wear daily disposable lenses, throw them away.
- Never use tap water to clean a lens or lens case. Refer to your contact lens solution instruction guide for information about how to rub, rinse and soak your contact lenses.
Multi Purpose Solution
Multipurpose solution is an all-in-one care system used to clean, rinse, disinfect, and store soft contact lenses. This solution is the most commonly used care system among soft contact lens wearers. Follow these steps for proper use of multipurpose solution:
- Rub and rinse your contact lenses and store them in fresh solution every time you take them out.
- Never mix fresh solution with old or used solution in the case, it reduces the effectiveness of disinfection.
- Rub and rinse your contact lens storage case every day with fresh solution (never water).
- Empty all excess solution out of the case, and dry it with a fresh, clean tissue .
- Store the clean case upside down on a fresh, clean tissue with the caps off after each use to prevent germs from building up in the case.
Hydrogen Period-Based Systems
Hydrogen peroxide-based systems clean, disinfect, and store contact lenses. An eye care provider may prescribe this care system if you have an allergy to ingredients in multipurpose solution that causes redness or irritation of the eye. Systems that use this type of solution require the use of a special case that comes with the solution when you buy it. The special case reacts with the hydrogen peroxide, converting it to harmless saline solution over time. Never use another type of case with hydrogen peroxide-based solution, as the solution will not convert to saline and will cause burning, stinging, and redness upon inserting the contact lenses. Hydrogen peroxide solutions come with a red tip or cap to remind you to never put the solution directly in your eye.
- Carefully follow all instructions on the label for proper use of hydrogen peroxide-based systems
- Put the contact lenses in the special case with fresh solution. Never mix fresh solution with old or used solution.
- Wait at least 4 to 6 hours before inserting your contact lenses. (Follow instructions on the label)
- Never rinse your contact lenses with hydrogen peroxide-based solutions and directly insert into your eyes, as this can cause burning, stinging, and redness.
Contact Lens Care
Daily Cleaners
Daily cleaner is intended for cleaning—not disinfecting—your contact lenses. The cleaner loosens and removes deposits and debris from the contact lens. Place a few drops in the palm of your hand and carefully rub the contact lens for as long as directed on both sides. You must use additional products, such as multipurpose solution, for rinsing the daily cleaner off, disinfecting, and storing the contact lenses.
Enzymatic Protein Remover
Enzymatic protein removers clean off material that your eyes deposit on the contact lenses over time. Depending on the type of contact lenses you wear and the amount of deposits that build up on the lens surface, your eye care provider may recommend you use a product for removing the buildup. Enzymatic protein removers are available in liquid and tablet forms and are used on a daily or weekly basis depending on the product. Ask your eye care provider before using this product.
Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Care Systems
Care systems for rigid gas permeable, or hard, contact lenses are different from care systems used with soft contact lenses. Hard contact lenses typically require several different solutions for wetting, cleaning, and disinfecting. If you wear hard contact lenses, talk to your eye care provider about which care system is best for you. Never use hard contact lens care products on soft contact lenses.
Thinking of trying a new system?
Talk to your Simon Eye provider before using any new contact lens care system.
Need more help
Watch this short video to learn everything you need to know about insertion, wearing, and caring for your new contacts.