Contact lenses need to be cared for properly so that they do not damage your eye. This means proper cleaning. However, what many contact lens wearers don't know is that you should avoid contact with tap water at all costs! But that's easier said than done. It's easy to drop your contact lenses in the sink, but you shouldn't ever purposefully put your lenses in contact with running water as it can be dangerous!
The main reason is that tap water contains limescale, salt, and rust from the pipes. These substances are absorbed by contact lenses when they come into contact with water. If the lenses are then placed in the eye, it can cause irritation, and in extreme cases even long-term damage.
Throw away your lenses if they have been in contact with running water!
For cost reasons, not all of you will want to do this, but if you do you should at least rinse the lenses well with a lens care product (e.g. Optifree Express or Optifree Puremoist).
It is important to take good care of your lenses so that your eyes are not damaged! And don't forget: it's a great idea to keep a small bottle of moisturising drops (e.g. Refresh Contacts moisturising solution) on you wherever you go.
Care also involves using a cleaning product that is suitable for your type of lenses.
Hard lenses are not cleaned with the same product as soft lenses.
So before you start cleaning and caring for your contact lenses, you should make sure you have the right cleaning products available. Your trusted optician or ophthalmologist will be happy to help you.
Fortunately, caring for your lenses and keeping them in good condition is not difficult. Here are three tips for lens care and cleaning.
First, you need to buy a special lens cleaner and disinfectant. You can find these products in our care products section. You should read the manufacturer's instructions on how to use these products.
It is important to disinfect your lenses before you insert them. You should also clean your lenses with the appropriate solution at least twice a day, depending on the type of lenses you have.
Finally, it is important that you do not wear your lenses for longer than the manufacturer recommends, whether they are Acuvue, Dailies, Biofinity or any other type. In general, you should not wear them for more than 10 to 12 hours a day.
