Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
Menu
  • Home
  • Patient Center
    • Online Forms
    • Insurance and Payments
    • Vision Topics
      • Common Eye Conditions
        • Vision Impairment
        • Injury & Irritation
        • Cognitive and Acquired
        • Age-Related
        • Eye Lids
        • Changes in Appearance
      • Contact Lenses
      • Eye Diseases
      • Eyeglasses
        • Eyeglass Lenses
      • Eye Symptoms
      • How the Eyes Work
        • Basic Visual Skills
      • Tips and Tricks
      • Pediatric Vision
      • Protecting Your Eyes
      • Visual Rehabilitation
      • Vision Problems
      • What is Vision Therapy
      • Vision Therapy Programs
      • We Can Help With
        • Cataracts
        • Corneal Disorders
          • Disorders
        • Glaucoma
        • Refractive Disorders
        • Adult Strabismus
        • Retinal Disorders
      • Newsletters
        • Tips for Healthy Eyes
        • Amazing, Interesting Eyes
        • Medical Perspectives
        • Contacts
        • Kid's Vision
        • Glasses & Frames
        • Conditions That Affect Vision
  • About Us
    • Meet Our Team
    • Testimonials
  • Optometrist Services
    • Comprehensive Eyeglass Exams
    • Contact Lens Exams
  • Optician Services
    • Repairs and Adjustments
    • Frame Replacements
    • Lens Tinting
  • Contact Us
  • Appointments

(678) 782-3332

  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Newsletters >
  • Contact Case Cleanliness

Contact Case Cleanliness

Contact case and solution

How Often Should I Change My Contact Lens Case?

Wet, dark contact lens cases provide the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. Fortunately, you can avoid painful eye infections by replacing your cases regularly and following your optometrist's lens and case care instructions.

Replace Every 3 Months

No matter how carefully you clean your contact lens case, it may still harbor bacteria, viruses, or fungi. The problem is caused by an invisible bacteria-laden coating called a biofilm. The film forms on the wells and lids of the case and may still be present after you clean or soak your case.

The American Optometric Association recommends replacing contact lens cases every three months to reduce your risk of infection. Some contact lens manufacturers suggest replacing the cases as often as every one to two months.

According to an April 2011 article in Review of Cornea and Contact Lenses, 30% to 85% of contact lens cases eventually become contaminated. Unfortunately, the contact lenses stored in the cases can become contaminated too, increasing the chance that you'll develop an infection.

Infections can cause corneal ulcers, painful sores that form on the surface of your cornea. The cornea is the clear layer of tissue that covers your iris and pupil. Severe infections can scar or cloud the cornea, permanently altering your vision.

If you develop a corneal ulcer, you may experience:

  • Pain
  • Discharge or Pus
  • Redness
  • Tearing
  • Foreign Body Sensation
  • Sensitivity to Light
  • Itching or Burning

Stop wearing your contact lenses and call your eye doctor immediately if you notice any of these symptoms. Prompt treatment will help you avoid serious damage to your corneas or loss of vision.

Contact Case Care Recommendations

Following these guidelines can decrease your infection risk:

  • Always Wash Your Hands. Wash your hands every time you touch your contact lenses or your lens case, even if you just washed your hands 15 minutes earlier.
  • Don't Use Water to Clean Your Case or Store Your Contacts. Using tap water can increase the risk of contamination.
  • Use Fresh Solution for Cleaning. Dump out your old contact lens solution daily and clean the wells and lids of the case with fresh solution. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's specific recommendations for case cleaning.
  • Don't Top Off the Solution: Adding a little contact lens solution every day may help you conserve solution, but it could compromise your vision. Although the old solution might look fine, it could contain bacteria, fungi, or parasites.
  • Air Dry Your Contact Lens Case. Air drying is the best way to dry your contact lens case. After cleaning the case, turn it upside down to ensure that no solution remains in the wells.
  • Keep Your Cleaned Case Out of the Bathroom. The bathroom may seem like the perfect place to air dry your case, but you may unwittingly contaminate it if you leave it on the bathroom sink or counter. Flushing the toilet can propel tiny drops of bacteria many feet from the toilet, contaminating your contact lens case and other surfaces. Although closing the lid before you flush can be helpful, some bacteria may still escape.
  • Replace Damaged or Dirty Cases Immediately. Don't try to clean cases that are noticeably dirty. Although they may look cleaner after you rub away the spots, bacteria or fungi will probably still be present. Throw away damaged or cracked cases immediately. Even small cracks in your case can allow bacteria to enter.

Proper cleaning and care of your contact lens cases can help you avoid infections. Contact us if you think you may have an infection, or it's time for your next vision exam.

Sources:

American Optometric Association: Contact Lens Case Care

https://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/caring-for-your-vision/contact-lenses/case-care

Review of Cornea and Contact Lenses: What is Happening in Your Contact Lens Storage Case?, 4/18/11

http://www.reviewofcontactlenses.com/article/what-is-happening-in-your-contact-lens-storage-case

WebMD: Contact Lenses and Eye Infections

https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/contact-lenses-eye-infections#1

American Academy of Ophthalmology: How to Take Care of Contact Lenses, 9/9/18

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/glasses-contacts/contact-lens-care

  • Common Eye Conditions
    • Vision Impairment
    • Injury & Irritation
    • Cognitive and Acquired
    • Age-Related
    • Eye Lids
    • Changes in Appearance
  • Contact Lenses
  • Eye Diseases
  • Eyeglasses
    • Eyeglass Lenses
  • Eye Symptoms
  • How the Eyes Work
    • Basic Visual Skills
  • Tips and Tricks
  • Pediatric Vision
  • Protecting Your Eyes
  • Visual Rehabilitation
  • Vision Problems
  • What is Vision Therapy
  • Vision Therapy Programs
  • We Can Help With
    • Cataracts
    • Corneal Disorders
      • Disorders
    • Glaucoma
    • Refractive Disorders
    • Adult Strabismus
    • Retinal Disorders
  • Newsletters
    • Tips for Healthy Eyes
    • Amazing, Interesting Eyes
    • Medical Perspectives
    • Contacts
    • Kid's Vision
    • Glasses & Frames
    • Conditions That Affect Vision

Locations

Hours

Hampton Location

Monday, Tuesday:

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Wednesday - Friday:

9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Saturday:

One Saturday per month 10-4

Sunday:

Closed

Zebulon Location

Monday, Saturday, Sunday:

Closed

Tuesday, Thursday:

9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Wednesday, Friday:

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Eye Can See Eyewear, Inc

Call Us Today

(678) 782-3332

Location
Request Appointment
No social media links found. Please configure it
  • Copyright © 2022 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix
  • Admin Log In