What Are the Methods for Cleaning Contact Lenses?

The cleaning of contact lenses mainly falls into two categories: manual cleaning and automatic cleaning. Manual cleaning involves a more cumbersome process, and it is essential to control the force during the cleaning to avoid damaging the lens. On the other hand, automatic cleaning is more convenient and can effectively save time, but it may not be as thorough as manual cleaning. It is crucial to maintain hygiene when cleaning contact lenses.

Manual cleaning consists of four steps: rinsing, rubbing, rinsing again, and storing. First, place the lens in the palm of your hand and apply 3 to 5 drops of care solution onto the surface of the lens. Even if using a no-rub care solution, gently rub the lens with your index or middle finger, rubbing both sides 15 to 20 times each. After rubbing, rinse the lens with care solution again and soak the cleaned lens completely in fresh care solution. The drawback of manual cleaning is that beginners may not master the right amount of force, easily damaging the lens, so it is crucial to use moderate force. Additionally, long-term rubbing and cleaning can wear down the surface of the lens. Therefore, if using lenses with a longer replacement cycle, they should be replaced early, such as replacing a six-month lens in approximately five months and a one-year lens in 8 to 10 months.

Automatic cleaning involves using an automatic cleaner. Place the removed lenses in the respective L/R cleaning compartments, press the switch, and the light will turn on to start the cleaning process. After 30 seconds, the work light will automatically turn off. The significant advantage of automatic cleaners is their convenience, eliminating the need for manual operation and saving time. However, the cleaning may not be as thorough as manual cleaning, and the effect is slightly inferior.