This guide is general information, not medical advice. Your optician or eye doctor knows your eyes and your lenses — always follow their instructions.
Why your lens case matters
A lens case is warm, damp and dark — exactly the kind of place germs like. If it isn't cleaned and dried properly, a thin film of bacteria can build up on the inside. Every night you put your lenses in it, and every morning you put those lenses in your eyes.
The good news: keeping a case clean takes about two minutes a day.
The daily routine
Do this every morning, right after you put your lenses in:
- Empty it. Tip out all the old solution. Never reuse it.
- Rub and rinse with fresh solution. Use your contact lens solution — not water — and rub the inside of each well with a clean finger.
- Wipe it dry. Shake out the excess and dry the case with a clean tissue.
- Air-dry upside down, caps off. Leave the case and caps face-down on a clean tissue until the evening.
- Fill with fresh solution at night. Every time — never top up what's already there.
Using hydrogen peroxide solution? Those systems come with their own special case. Follow the instructions on the box exactly, and never swap it for a regular flat case.
Mistakes that put your eyes at risk
- Rinsing the case with tap water. Tap water isn't sterile and can carry organisms that cause rare but serious eye infections. Keep water away from your lenses and case.
- "Topping off" solution. Adding fresh solution to old solution weakens its ability to disinfect. Always empty and refill.
- Closing the case while it's wet. Trapped moisture lets germs grow. Let it dry open.
- Keeping the same case for months and months. Even a well-cleaned case wears out — see below.
- Touching lenses with unwashed hands. Wash and dry your hands before handling your lenses or case.
How often should you replace your lens case?
The CDC recommends replacing your contact lens case at least once every three months. Replace it sooner if:
- It's cracked, chipped or the lids no longer close properly
- You can see discolouration or residue that won't rinse off
- You've had an eye infection — ask your eye doctor what to do with your lenses and case
- It's been dropped somewhere dirty
Many solution bottles come with a new case. An easy habit: whenever you open a new bottle, swap to the new case and throw the old one away.
Add your pair once. Get a home-screen countdown, a reminder when it's time to swap, case reminders and a history for each eye.
Travel tips
- Pack a spare case and a travel-size bottle of the same solution you use at home.
- Bring your glasses, in case your eyes get irritated on the trip.
- Take lenses out before swimming or using a hot tub, and keep them away from shower water.
- On long flights, cabin air is dry — rewetting drops made for contact lenses can help.
Frequently asked questions
Can I rinse my contact lens case with tap water?
No. Rinse and rub the case with fresh contact lens solution instead. Tap water isn't sterile and should be kept away from your lenses and case.
How often should I replace my contact lens case?
At least once every three months, according to the CDC — and sooner if it's cracked, discoloured or has been dropped somewhere dirty.
Should I store my lens case open or closed?
Between uses, leave it open and upside down on a clean tissue so it can air-dry. Close it only when it contains fresh solution and your lenses.
Can I top up the solution in my lens case?
No. Always empty the old solution and refill with fresh solution. Mixing fresh with used solution makes it less effective at disinfecting.
Sources: CDC — Cleaning, Disinfecting, and Storing Contact Lenses and CDC — Preventing Eye Infections When Wearing Contacts. This article is for general information only and does not replace advice from your eye care professional.