All You Need to Know about Contact Lens Cases

Your contact lenses aren’t the only ones that need some TLC occasionally. Their containers should also remain hygienic at all times. There are also different cases to choose from in stores to ensure you’ll use the right one for your contacts.

Learn more about contact lens cases, from their variations up to the maintenance process they require.

Types of Contact Lenses Cases

Surprisingly, there are several categories to consider when it comes to choosing a certain type of container for your contacts. Learn the pros and cons of the screw-top, flip-top, barrel, and travel cases.

Screw-Top Contact Lens Case

Also known as a side-by-side case, a screw-top can securely store your contacts. It’s also convenient when it comes to separating the left and right lens. It usually comes in two colors to indicate which is which.

As for the contact lenses that can be placed inside a screw-top case, you can virtually store any type of lens in it. It has deeper sections inside, so you can completely soak your contacts into the solution without filling up the entire container.

Flip-Top Contact Lens Case

If you think it’s time-consuming to open and close a screw-top case, the flip-top version provides a quicker way. You literally just need to flip the lid open and close it shut afterward.

However, a flip-top case can easily spill the solution if you won’t handle it gently. It won’t even matter if it has a deep slot for each lens. Opening the flip-top without any care at all will still put your contacts at risk of falling.

Barrel Contact Lens Case

Unlike the screw-top and flip-top cases, the barrel case can only store one type of lens. It’s designed for hard lenses alone because of its interior, which can easily ruin softer contacts. Its groove is made for a reason: to help you properly clean the lenses with a peroxide solution.

Travel Contact Lens Case

We hate to break it to you, but not all contact lens cases are safe for travel. Some of them aren’t leakproof and secure enough for holding lenses. That’s why, regardless of the container’s lid design and extra features, it’s best to prioritize searching for travel-friendly options if you’re always out of town.

What is the Best Contact Lenses Case for You?

contact lens in case

The answer to this question depends on your lifestyle and contact lens type. If you’re frequently outdoors or always on the go, it’s best to get a flip-top contact case because of its convenience. You can just put it in your pocket without hassle.

On the other hand, those who are more particular with hygiene may prefer the screw-top contact case . You can be sure that its lid is tightly sealed, so there’s no room for dirt and bacteria to enter.

Lastly, those who often wear hard lenses should go for a barrel case. Its design can help clean the lenses better without damaging them.

Now that you know more about the different types of contact lens cases, it’s time to learn how to take care of them properly.

How to Clean Contact Lens Cases

Just in case you’ll miss something important while cleaning your lenses’ case, read on to learn more about the standard procedure.

  1. Clean your hands first with unscented soap and warm water.
  2. Use a lint-free cloth or towel to dry your hands.
  3. Check to see if there are no lenses inside the case.
  4. Pour out the storage solution from the case over the sink.
  5. Shake off the excess solution just to make sure nothing’s left.
  6. Use a clean finger or a lint-free cloth to scrub every nook and cranny of the case’s interior.
  7. Coat the entire interior of the case, including the lids’ undersides, with a multipurpose contact lens solution spray.
  8. Lay another lint-free fabric or a clean piece of tissue on a flat surface.
  9. Put the case face down on the cloth or tissue to avoid airborne microbes.
  10. Wait for the case to dry out fully.
  11. Pour a fresh batch of solution into the case.

Remember this always: never use water to clean any contact lens case. Whether it’s tap or bottled, it should never be an option. It can easily contaminate the interior or start some sort of buildup. Contact lens care is extremely important to prevent any eye infections and unnecessary visits to your local eye doctor.

Find the contact lenses you need:

Daily disposable contact lenses

Two weeks disposable contact lenses

Monthly disposable contact lenses

Contact Lens Case Maintenance Tips

contact lens care

To keep your contact lens storage box usable until it’s time for the three-month replacement, follow these tips:

  • When not in use, store the case on a dry area like your nightstand. Never put it in a humid section in your bathroom.
  • Inspect the lens case every single day for signs of damage like tiny cracks and buildup. As soon as you see a crack, hole, or dirt, discard the case immediately and use a brand-new one.
  • You can schedule a more thorough cleaning once a week. You may buy a toothbrush solely for cleaning your lens case. However, you can only wet the bristles with a contact solution. Again, never use water.

Just a little reminder about replacing a contact lens case, there’s a way to avoid wasting your money using a new one before it’s absolutely necessary. Simply mark the bottom part of the case with the date, so you’ll know when exactly to replace the container, even if it still looks immaculate. That’s right; the storage box doesn’t have to look dirty before replacing it.

Also, check the manufacturer’s instructions before anything else. Some lens cases require replacement after only one month of use. The interval of three months is just the standard for most products.

Consequences of Improper Handling of Contact Lens Case

Broken contact lens on finger

The worst thing that can happen due to unsanitary use of lens cases is Acanthamoeba keratitis. This has a lot to do with using water to clean the container.

At first, the symptoms of Acanthamoeba keratitis are still treatable. It can make your eyes slightly painful, red, and excessively wet due to uncontrollable tears. Meanwhile, your vision may get blurry, and your eyes tend to become highly sensitive to light.

If you ignore those symptoms, the condition will only get worse. It can cause permanent vision problems–including blindness.

Solution for Proper Storage of Contact Lenses

contact lens solution

Bottle with lens solution and case on table

To ensure the cleanliness and longevity of your contact lenses, it is important to use a proper solution for storing them. Plenty of lens solutions are available in the market, but not all of them can provide the same level of caring for your lenses case.

Here are some of the things you need to keep in mind when choosing the right solution for your lenses:

1. The solution should be designed for your specific type of lenses.

2. It should be able to clean, disinfect, and store your lenses effectively.

3. The solution should be safe for your eyes and lenses.

4. It should be affordable.

5. It should be easy to find and use.

Many lens solutions available can meet all of these criteria, so you should have no problem finding one that is right for you. Once you have found the perfect solution, be sure to use it properly to get the most out of it.

Conclusion

Anyone can be responsible contact lens wearers as long as they observe proper cleaning and maintenance of not just their lenses but of their cases as well. Don’t forget to thoroughly wash your hands before touching any lens container. More importantly, never wash the case with water, or you’ll be at risk of Acanthamoeba keratitis, a condition that may lead to blindness. After at least one month, depending on the manufacturer, see to it to replace the container is no matter what.

Where to Buy Maintenance-Free Contact Lenses

Contact Lenses 4 Us has a wide variety of disposable contact lenses if you don’t prefer any maintenance. Each lens will only last for one day, requiring you to throw it away once you’re done wearing it. Dailies Total 1, Acuvue® Oasys 1-Day with HydraLuxe, and FreshLook One Day are just some of the products that don’t need any type of case. Order now and you’ll get your disposable lenses even without showing a prescription.

Check also:

Consequences of Incorrect Use of Contact Lenses

Check also:

Consequences of Incorrect Use of Contact Lenses

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