Hmm… Should I change my contact lens case in a week or a month? If you are asking this question, it is a good sign. It means that you take your eye health seriously.

Whether you are new to wearing contact lenses or not, the number of instructions you have to follow to keep them in good shape can seem like a lot. Not just the number of instructions but also the large amount of information present at your disposal can seem confusing. But don’t worry.

In this post, we will clarify how often you should change your lens case, why you should change your lens case, its effect on your contact lens, how to clean it, and a lot more. First, let us talk about why you should replace your contact lens case.

Why you should replace your contact lens case

You should replace your contact lens cases regularly to protect your contact lens from coming into contact with bacteria. When you use your lens case regularly, microorganisms like bacteria will gather on its surface. Keeping your contact lenses in them makes them a potential source of infection.

Another reason you should replace your contact lens case is that regardless of the number of times you clean your case and the effort you take to maintain it, as time goes on, patches of bacteria and microorganisms will accumulate and become attached to your contact lenses. This can lead to a serious eye infection.

In addition, if you don’t replace your contact lens case regularly, it is prone to wear and tear that comes from moving it around. In time, it begins to leak and becomes less protective, making it less effective.

Now that you know why you should replace your contact lens case, let’s talk about when you should change your contact lens case.

When you should change your contact lens case?

According to eye care professionals, you should change your contact lens case every three months. Though sometimes the duration of use before you dispose of it could be shorter, three months is the longest that professionals of optometry recommend, and they should be replaced.

Sometimes, you might need to change it before then. For example, if you take your contact lens case everywhere you go, in time it could crack—even before three months. Also, how often you use it matters. If you use it often, it could begin to have stains. That way, you know it is time to replace it.

Now that you are aware that you should change your lens cases every three months, it would be good to learn about how to take proper care of these contact lens cases for them to last up to three months. Let’s get into it!

How to care for your contact lens case?

If you are new to using contact lenses, you are probably asking the question, “How should I care for my contact lens case?” We will answer that here with a few tips on how to do it. Let us get right into it!

Wash your hands

This is the first one because it ensures that your health and safety are guaranteed. Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling the contact lens case and the lenses. Wash your hands with soap

Don’t expose it to water

Although you should wash your hands with soap and water, you must never use tap water to clean your case. Tap water, though clean, could still contain harmful microorganisms that could infect your eyes.

Use the right cleaning solution

Ensure that you use a fresh solution to rinse and clean it. When you use an old solution, you risk exposing yourself to infections. You don’t need a specialized solution; you can use a multipurpose solution.

Clean it every day

To ensure proper disinfection and lens care, we recommend that you clean your case every day. To keep your lens case clean, follow the following steps:

How to clean your contact lens case

Wash your hands thoroughly before handling it and dry your hands as well.

If there is a contact lens solution remaining in it, pour out the old solution from the case.

Now, it is time to rinse. Rinse the empty case with a fresh solution. Make sure the lens solution is in considerable quantity.

Now it is time to remove the debris. Use your clean hand to rub the inside of the case. Rub light, but well.

Pour out the solution again and lay it upside down for it to drain and dry.

When it is dry, you can replace the lid. Make sure that the lids still fit.

Store your contacts in the case after it dries. You should store the case in a place where it will not be exposed to water (a dry place).

There you have it. Your contact lens case is clean. Ensure you do it daily.

Replace your case often

Yes! Another way to care for your lens case and, in turn, your contact lenses is to dispose of the case when it is past its use date. Even if it looks clean, replace it after three months. It is safer for you that way.

Be selfish with it

Never share your contact lens case with anyone. Just as you would never share your contact lenses with other people, this is not any different. When you do, you risk contracting bacteria from other people’s lenses, which could lead to eye infections. Your lens case belongs to you alone.

FAQs

Can I use a multipurpose solution on my lens case?

Yes, use a fresh, multipurpose solution to clean your case. Do not use water because it could contain bacteria that exposes you to eye infections.

Can I boil my contact lens case in water?

Water should not be used on your contact lenses or their cases. You should never boil your contact lens cases in water. Only use a multipurpose solution for disinfecting your contact lens case.

Must I clean my contact lens case every day?

Just like other hygienic practices, taking good care of your lenses requires a routine. You must regularly cleanse and disinfect your contact lens case using lens solution. When you do not clean it every day, bacteria and microorganisms begin to lurk around the case and hide there. Soon, it begins to irritate your eyes, or worse, you get an infection.

How will I know that my lens case is damaged?

Regularly check your case to see if there are any signs of damage. Some signs to look out for are cracks, scratches, and discolouration. If you notice any of these signs, you must replace your case right away. Visit a professional to get quality contact lens cases.

Is it necessary to replace the contact lens case if I have not used it in a while?

As long as it has exceeded its time of use, you should replace it. The stipulated time, according to professionals, is three months. If you keep it without use for long, the materials will deteriorate and expose your contacts to danger.

Can I use a damaged contact lens case temporarily?

We recommend that you do not do that. A damaged contact lens case can expose your contact lenses to unclean substances. It is not safe for your contacts. You risk infections if you do this. Replace it instead.

What should I do if my contact lens accidentally gets wet?

We recommend that you don’t store your contact lens cases in environments such as the bathroom where they can be exposed to water because water is a good place for bacteria to thrive.

However, if they do get wet accidentally, the first thing you should do is dry them out in the air. After that, rinse them with lens solution. Rub the inside with clean fingers, and rinse again with the solution when you are done. Then, leave it to dry.

Summarily

You should change your contact lens case regularly if you want to protect your eyes from infections or the invasion of bacteria. Apart from replacing it often, proper care of your lens case is just as important and should be taken seriously. According to optometry professionals, you should do it every three months.

Also, when you notice signs of damage like marks, breakage, and discolouration, you should replace them right away and get a new case. Avoid trying to fix any challenge you have with your eyes, contact lens or its case by yourself. It is best you visit an eye care professional to help solve them the right w