How to Clean and Store Colored Contacts the Right Way

September 12, 2024

Learning how to clean colored contacts properly is crucial for maintaining both the health of your eyes and the longevity of your lenses. This guide will walk you through the essential steps for cleaning, disinfecting, and storing your colored contact lenses, ensuring they remain comfortable, clear, and safe for wear. For more on this, see our guide to How to Store Colored Contacts When Not in Use.

Why Proper Cleaning and Storage Matter for Your Eye Health

Your colored contact lenses are medical devices that sit directly on your eyes. Without proper care, they can become breeding grounds for bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms, leading to serious eye infections, discomfort, and even permanent vision damage. Neglecting cleaning can also reduce the lifespan of your lenses and diminish the vibrancy of their color.

Regular and correct cleaning and storage:

Prevents Eye Infections: Rinsing and disinfecting removes harmful pathogens.
Ensures Comfort: Clean lenses are free from debris, reducing irritation and dryness.
Extends Lens Lifespan: Proper care keeps your lenses in optimal condition, allowing you to get the most out of your MyEyeColors lenses.
Maintains Vision Clarity: Dirt and protein buildup can obstruct your vision.

Always remember that your eye health is paramount. If you're new to colored contacts or have any concerns, consult with an eye care professional for a proper fitting and guidance before using any lenses, including those from MyEyeColors.

Essential Supplies for Cleaning Colored Contacts

Before you begin the cleaning process, gather these vital supplies:

Multi-Purpose Contact Lens Solution (MPS): This is the only liquid you should use for cleaning, rinsing, disinfecting, and storing most soft contact lenses. Ensure it's fresh and not expired. Never use tap water, distilled water, saliva, or homemade solutions, as these do not properly disinfect and can introduce harmful microorganisms to your eyes.
Clean Contact Lens Case: A fresh case is just as important as fresh solution. Replace your contact lens case every 1 to 3 months to prevent bacterial buildup. Old cases can harbor germs even if you clean them regularly.
Mild, Fragrance-Free Soap: For washing your hands.
Clean, Lint-Free Towel: For drying your hands.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clean Colored Contacts the Right Way

Following these steps meticulously will ensure your colored contacts are clean, disinfected, and ready for safe wear.

Wash Your Hands Thoroughly

This is the absolute first and most critical step. Wash your hands with mild, fragrance-free soap and water. Rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds, paying attention to your palms, backs of hands, and between your fingers. Rinse them thoroughly under running water and dry them completely with a clean, lint-free towel. Any residue or lint on your hands can transfer to your lenses and cause irritation or infection. If you're weighing options, our roundup of How to Apply and Care for Your Colored Contact Lenses is a good next read.
Start with One Lens

To avoid mixing up your left and right lenses (especially if you have different prescriptions or unique designs for each eye), always start with the same eye first. For most people, this is typically the right eye.
Remove the Lens and Place in Your Palm

Gently remove the first colored contact lens from your eye. Place it in the palm of your clean, dry hand. Ensure your hand is cupped slightly to prevent the lens from slipping off.
Apply Fresh Multi-Purpose Solution

Pour a few drops of fresh multi-purpose contact lens solution onto the lens in your palm. Do not skimp on the solution; you need enough to thoroughly clean the lens.
Gently Rub the Lens

Using the pad of your index finger from your other hand, gently rub the lens in a back-and-forth or circular motion for about 10-20 seconds. This "rub" step is vital as it physically dislodges protein deposits, debris, and microorganisms from the lens surface. Many people skip this, but it significantly improves cleaning effectiveness. You might also like our take on 7 Colored Contact Care Habits of Long-Time Wearers.
Rinse the Lens Thoroughly

After rubbing, rinse the lens thoroughly with a steady stream of fresh multi-purpose solution. This washes away the loosened debris and dirty solution.
Place in a Clean Lens Case with Fresh Solution

Open the corresponding compartment of your clean contact lens case (e.g., the "R" side for your right lens). Fill the compartment with fresh multi-purpose solution – enough to completely submerge the lens. Carefully place the cleaned and rinsed lens into the solution.
Repeat for the Other Eye

Repeat steps 3 through 7 for your other eye's colored contact lens.
Soak Overnight (or for Recommended Time)

Once both lenses are in their respective compartments, securely close the lens case. Allow the lenses to soak in the fresh solution for the minimum recommended disinfection time, which is usually at least 4-6 hours, or overnight. This soaking period is critical for the solution to effectively disinfect the lenses.

The Right Way to Store Your Colored Contacts

Proper storage is just as important as proper cleaning for hygiene and lens longevity.

Always Use Fresh Solution

Every time you store your lenses, you must use fresh multi-purpose solution. Never "top off" old solution in your case. Old solution has already been used to clean and disinfect, and its effectiveness diminishes rapidly. Topping off just dilutes the fresh solution and can lead to insufficient disinfection and potential infections. We break this down further in Best Colored Contacts for All-Day Comfort.

Replace Your Lens Case Regularly

Even with diligent cleaning, contact lens cases can accumulate bacteria and biofilms over time. Replace your contact lens case every 1 to 3 months. Many solutions come with a new case, so take advantage of this. If your case ever looks dirty, damaged, or discolored, replace it immediately.

Ensure Lenses Are Fully Submerged

When placing your lenses in the case, make sure they are completely submerged in the multi-purpose solution. Any part of the lens exposed to air will not be disinfected and can dry out, becoming uncomfortable or even damaged.

Travel Storage

When traveling, always use a fresh, clean lens case and fresh solution. Consider travel-sized solutions for convenience, but ensure they are sealed and within their expiration date.

Important Do's and Don'ts for Contact Lens Care

Following these guidelines will help ensure your eyes stay healthy and your MyEyeColors lenses remain in top condition. It pairs well with what we cover in Can You Wear Colored Contacts If You Have Dry Eyes.

DO'S	DON'TS
DO wash your hands thoroughly before handling lenses.	DON'T use tap water, distilled water, or saliva to clean or rinse your lenses.
DO use fresh multi-purpose solution every time you clean and store your lenses.	DON'T "top off" old solution in your lens case.
DO rub and rinse your lenses as directed, even if your solution claims to be "no-rub."	DON'T sleep in your colored contacts unless specifically approved and prescribed by your eye care professional for extended wear.
DO replace your lens case every 1 to 3 months.	DON'T share your colored contact lenses with anyone. This is a serious health risk.
DO follow the wear and replacement schedule recommended by your eye care professional and the lens manufacturer.	DON'T use expired contact lens solution or expired lenses.
DO remove your lenses immediately if you experience redness, irritation, pain, or blurred vision, and consult your eye doctor.	DON'T wear lenses for longer than their prescribed duration (e.g., wear monthly lenses for two months).
DO have regular eye check-ups with an eye care professional, even if your vision seems fine.	DON'T let the tip of the solution bottle touch any surface, including your fingers or the lens case, to avoid contamination.

When to Replace Your Colored Contacts

Even with the most diligent cleaning and storage, colored contact lenses have a limited lifespan. Adhering to the replacement schedule is crucial for eye health and comfort.

Follow Manufacturer's Schedule

Colored contact lenses, like all contact lenses, are designed for specific wear schedules: daily disposables, bi-weekly, or monthly. Never extend the life of a lens beyond its recommended replacement period. For instance, a monthly lens should be discarded after one month of opening, regardless of how often you wore it.

When you browse MyEyeColors' stunning collection of colored contacts, always check the product description for its specific wear schedule. You can explore our options here: browse our colored contacts
Signs It's Time for a New Pair

Even if you're within the replacement schedule, some signs indicate it's time for a fresh pair:
- Discomfort: Lenses feel dry, gritty, or irritating.
- Blurred Vision: Your vision isn't as clear as it should be, even after cleaning.
- Tearing or Redness: Persistent tearing or redness in your eyes.
- Visible Damage: Any nicks, tears, or excessive protein buildup that won't clean off.
- Fading Color: While MyEyeColors lenses are designed for durability, excessive wear can sometimes affect the vibrancy over time.
If you experience any of these issues, remove the lenses and consult your eye care professional before inserting a new pair.

Key Takeaways

Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling colored contacts.
Use only fresh multi-purpose solution for cleaning, rinsing, and storing your lenses.
Never use tap water or saliva.
Rub and rinse your lenses gently before soaking them in a clean case with fresh solution.
Replace your contact lens case every 1 to 3 months and follow the lens replacement schedule recommended by your eye care professional and MyEyeColors.
Never share your colored contact lenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use water to clean my colored contacts?

No, absolutely not. Tap water, distilled water, or even bottled water can contain microorganisms like Acanthamoeba_, which can cause severe and sight-threatening eye infections. Water also lacks the disinfecting properties of contact lens solution and can cause lenses to swell and stick to the eye, leading to discomfort and damage. Always use fresh multi-purpose solution.

How often should I replace my contact lens case?

You should replace your contact lens case every 1 to 3 months. Over time, bacteria and biofilms can build up in the case, even with regular rinsing, making it a source of potential contamination for your lenses. Many contact lens solutions come packaged with a new case; take advantage of these!