If you wear contact lenses, keeping them clean is very important. No matter what type you use, they all reduce the amount of oxygen that reaches your eyes, which can cause infection.

To stress how important the cleaning process is, Contact Lens Health Week is held annually during the third week of August. It’s a great way to remind people of the following tips:

• Always wash your hands with soap and warm water before touching your lenses: Do not use soaps that contain oils, perfumes, or lotions as they leave a film on your hands. This can transfer to your lenses, causing blurred vision or eye irritation.
• Always clean each contact by gently rubbing it with your fingers: Following this, rinse with a cleaning solution. If the solution becomes discolored, throw it away and use a new bottle. Never use tap water to clean contacts.
• Always use your fingertips to handle the lenses: Your fingernails contain dirt and germs. That's why it is so important to wash your hands thoroughly before inserting lenses. Get under those nails!
• Avoid smoke and other pollutants.
• Remember to clean your lens case with a sterile solution and leave it to air dry: Don’t leave it in a humid environment or near the toilet. Both cause germs and mildew to build up. It’s important to replace the case every three to six months. 
• Don't wear contact lenses more than 30 days after they are first opened.
• Don't sleep in your contact lenses.
• If you use hair spray, always use it before you put it in your contacts: The aerosol and its ingredients can cause irritation and/or dryness of your lenses.
• If you wear makeup, apply it after your lenses are in to avoid any contact: Take out your lenses before removing makeup. Remember to replace eye makeup every three months to avoid a contamination risk.

What Can Happen When Contact Lenses Are Not Properly Cleaned?

If you don’t properly clean your lenses, your eyes can become irritated or become infected. Symptoms can include:

• Burning or itching
• Unusual redness
• Pain 
• Swelling
• Discomfort

An annual check-up with your eye doctor and following the instructions that come with your lenses, contact case, and cleaning solution will also help.