How to clean and care for contact lenses

Learn how to look after your contact lenses and keep them comfortable

ACUVUE
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Keep your reusable contact lenses and your eyes at their best

It only takes a few minutes to clean your reusable contact lenses with the appropriate solution to help maintain excellent lens comfort and eye health. Establishing a good routine is the best way to help keep your eyes happy and healthy in monthly and bi-weekly contact lenses.

cleaning contact lenses

How to clean your reusable contact lenses and their case

Follow along to learn how to best care for your reusable contact lenses.

How to clean your reusable contact lenses

An illustrated closed contact lens case

Fill your contact lens case

Fill the case with fresh contact lens disinfecting solution; Remember to use a clean solution every time you take off your lenses.

An illustration of someone cleaning a contact lens with solution in the palm of their hand

Clean the first lens

by placing it in the clean, dry palm of your hand. Apply a few drops of contact lens disinfecting solution, and with one finger gently rub the lens back and forth to clean the lens surfaces.

An illustration showing the application of contact lens solution to a contact lens in the palm of a hand

Rinse the lens

Thoroughly with a few more drops of the prescribed solution, then put the lens into your clean contact lens case.

An illustration of a contact lens case with the right lens case open and a contact lens resting inside

Store in the disinfecting solution

Repeat this routine for your other lens, close the case and leave your lenses to soak. Refer to your contact lens solution instructions for details on how long to soak your contact lenses or how often to change the solution if you don’t wear them every day.

How to clean your contact lens case

Here are 4 steps to follow to maintain the hygiene of your container

  1. Empty: Always start by tossing the old solution. Never re-use or "top-off" the solution.

  2. Rinse: Rinse your case with fresh contact lens solution. Never use tap water.

  3. Air-Dry: Allow contact lens container to air-dry, keeping the case open and upside down on a clean tissue.

  4. Replace: Replace your contact lens case on a regular basis, usually every month.

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Contact lens dos and don'ts

How to wear, clean and store your lenses correctly? Get some quick tips on contact lens wear in this video, also included in the list below.

Contact lens dos and don'ts

Do

  • Wash your hands before touching your contact lenses.
  • Put contact lenses on first, before any facial products or makeup.
  • Remove your contact lenses and call your Eye Care Professional if you experience redness, changes in vision or discharge.
  • Establish a routine: Replace lenses on the same day of the week, remove lenses from in the same order, etc.

Don't

  • Use tap water to clean your contact lenses or lens case.
  • Wait to clean your contact lenses after you take them off.
  • Wear your contact lenses longer than the recommended replacement schedule your Eye Care Professional gave you.
  • Sleep in your contact lenses.

How to Avoid Eye Irritation and

Maintain Comfort

Your eyes naturally have a layer of moisture, but sometimes your lifestyle can throw this balance off. Here are some tips for specific situations to help stay on top of things:

Beauty Routine

Black woman with short curly hair and white tank top putting in contact lenses in a mirror

Contact lenses and make-up: Follow the right beauty routine

  1. Put your contact lenses on before you apply makeup.
  2. Using water-resistant mascara and eyeliner can help to prevent flaking or smudging.
  3. Hypoallergenic or oil-free make-up and make-up removers are the best choice when wearing lenses.
  4. Avoid wearing contact lenses when having your hair dyed or permed as the chemicals can cause irritation to your eyes.
  5. If using hairspray, try to apply it before putting on your contact lenses. If you have contact lenses on already, ensure you close your eyes when applying hairspray.
  6. If your eyes are swollen, red, or infected, contact your eye care professional, and don’t wear make-up or contact lenses.

Woman with dark hair and blue top out for a run, touching her eye due to an irritation

Understanding What Can Cause

Eye Irritation from Contact Lenses

Mild red eyes can happen with or without contact lenses but it’s usually temporary and nothing to worry about. Some causes of red eyes are:

  • Being tired
  • Allergies
  • Wearing contact lenses longer than recommended
  • Sensitivity to contact lens materials or solutions
IMPORTANT NOTICE: If your eyes are red and you're experiencing pain or impaired vision, remove contact lenses if you're wearing them, and contact your eye care professional immediately.

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Get to know common eye ailments

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, our eyes get sick. Learn about some common eye problems and conditions, their causes, symptoms and how they're treated.

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Footnotes

#All ACUVUE® contact lenses have UV Blocking to help provide protection against transmission of harmful UV radiation to the cornea and into the eye. UV absorbing contact lenses are NOT substitutes for protective UV absorbing eyewear such as UV absorbing goggles or sunglasses because they do not completely cover the eye and surrounding area. You should continue to use UV absorbing eyewear as directed by your eye care professional.

Important Information for Contact Lens Wearers: ACUVUE® Contact Lenses can be used for vision correction. An Eye Care Professional will determine whether contact lenses are right for you. Although rare, serious eye problems can develop while wearing contact lenses. To help avoid these problems, follow the wear and replacement schedule and instructions on proper lens care. Do not wear contact lenses if you have an eye infection, any eye disease or systemic disease, that may affect the eye, or if you are allergic to any ingredients. If you experience eye discomfort, excessive tearing, vision changes, redness or other eye problems, remove the lens and contact your Eye Care Professional immediately. For detailed information, including warnings and precautions, carefully read the Instructions for Use available on the Johnson & Johnson website.

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© Johnson & Johnson Medical Pty Ltd. 2024. All rights reserved. This site is published by Johnson & Johnson Medical Pty Ltd., which is solely responsible for its content. It is intended for use by residents of South Africa.
Johnson & Johnson Vision Care is part of Johnson & Johnson Medical Pty Ltd. ACUVUE®, 1-DAY ACUVUE® MOIST Brand Contact Lenses with LACREON® Technology, 1-DAY ACUVUE® MOIST Brand Contact Lenses for ASTIGMATISM, ACUVUE OASYS® Brand Contact Lenses with HYDRACLEAR® PLUS Technology, ACUVUE OASYS® Brand Contact Lenses for ASTIGMATISM® are trademarks of Johnson & Johnson Medical Pty Ltd.
Last updated 19/02/2024.