Everyone knows that if you wear contact lenses you are supposed to clean them regularly when you take them out. However, many people do not realize that the case in which the contact lenses go should also be cleaned and sterilized. Bacteria can accumulate in the cases even if you put new solution in them everyday. There are several ways of sterilizing contact lens cases. You can clean it with warm water and soap, clean them in a dishwasher, or boil them in hot water on the stove.
Clean with soap and water
Before you start to clean your contact lens case you should thoroughly clean your hands with mild soap and warm water. One way to clean and sterilize contact lens cases is to wash them with soap and water. You should use the hottest water you can stand. Empty the contact solution and rinse the case for a few minutes. Use an unused toothbrush and antibacterial soap. Only use a bean-sized amount of soap. You should not only clean the inside of the case but the outside as well. Make sure you rinse the soap off thoroughly because if you don’t the soap can cause irritation in your eyes. After you rinse the case thoroughly, dry the case with a lint free towel. It wouldn’t hurt to let the case air dry for 10 minutes before you add contact solution and your contact lenses.
Clean in the dishwasher
An easier way to clean a contact lens case is to put it in the dishwasher. The heat from the dishwasher should sterilize the contact lens case while the soap will clean it inside and out. This way you do not have to spend time scrubbing the lens case.
Boil the contact lens case
Another effective and easy way to clean and sterilize a contact lens case is to boil it on the stove. Simply put a pot of water on the eye of the stove and when the water begins to boil, put in the contact lens case. Make sure you let it boil for 5 to 10 minutes. Remember to let the water cool before you pull the contact lens case out so you do not burn your hand.
When you are cleaning your contact lens case, always remember to clean the caps of the case as well. The caps can carry bacteria that can get into the lens solution and cause irritation in your eyes. To get the most use from your contact lenses you should clean them and the case at least every two days.