Should you change the solution contact lenses are kept in?

Question

I've just started wearing contact lenses, i use the ones where you keep them in a solution when you take them out and place them back in a little pot when you aren't using them.

I was wondering if this solution that the contacts are kept in should be changed, and if so when?

I clean the contacts every time i take them out of the pot to put them in, but i'm unsure of whether this solution should be changed.

Thank you in advance :)

Answer 1

I change the solution at least once a week and add to it because I lose a little bit every time I take my lenses out.

The solution gets dirty and loses its sterilizing effect. Any dirt or dust scratches the lenses even if you don't notice it at first.

Answer 2

Depending on the solution, usually there's an instruction on the bottle. But just to be safe, I still change mine even if I don't wear the lenses for a couple of days because you can never be sure how tight those little pots are.

Note:

My dad had amoeba infections in his eye and had to go through three corneal transplant surgeries (you don't want this to happen, these surgeries were done with your eyes open, and with local anaesthetic only, so... well).

Partly because he didn't change his solution for a long time. Well, it may also be caused by something in his fingers when he put the lenses in.

Either way, I'd rather be safe than sorry.

Additional:

I think it is also important to pay attention to the expiry dates on the bottle of your solution. I won't buy more than 1 bottle at a time, just so that I always get the newest stock.

Answer 3

yes, every time you put them back in the case you should put new solution in there. if you dont you could get an eye infection from bacteria and thats not good. you should also get some kind of a cleaner for your contacts and clean them after you take them out of your eye.

Answer 4

Yes- you should change the SALINE SOLUTION out of the contact recepticles or "little pots" very often... even every day because the Saline disinfects the contact lenses. Since they are on your fingertips and in your eyes for long periods of time, it is important to disinfect them often. I wouldn't bother cleaning the lenses themselves every day, as you said you've been doing, but as long as you submerge them in the clean saline solution every night, they will be clean.

And ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS wash your hands with antibacterial soap before you put them in or take them out of your eyes!

Good luck and take care.

Answer 5

Your fitter should have provided you with this information.  Check any written material that was provided to see if the answer is there.  If not, call your fitter and ask  and also ask which solution should be used for overnight storage.  There may be some specific other points that were forgotten, so ask them to repeat all the care instructions for you.

Also inform the head (store manager, doctor) that whoever instructed you in how to use the contacts did not cover this very important point --- failing to change the solution after every use can result in eye infections and possible blindness.

Answer 6

Every day Hoola.

Change the solution every time you clean your lenses.

xx

Answer 7

Yes you should change the solution. I mean your eyes are very sensitive if I was you I would change it everytime I take them out of your eyes I mean you don't want to risk anything. The solution is a cleaning solution why would you put it in dirty solution to be cleaned?

Answer 8

Yes, you should always change the solution.  I have contact lenses where you have to do the same and I have to change them every month.  If you do not change the solution, it can become unsterile and it can leave residue on your lenses that can be harmful to your eyes.  You should change the solution every time you are going to put your lenses in the case.  It is good that you clean them when you take them out, but it is even better to also have clean solution to put them in when your done.

Answer 9

You should have been given full instructions + a leaflet!

The solution should be changed every 24 hours. The lens container should be washed out every 2 weeks with previously boiled then cooled water and allowed to dry naturally upside down. The bottle of lens cleaning fluid should be discarded after a month, even if it is not finished.

Answer 10

Fresh solution in the case every night and, unless you were very clearly advised otherwise for your particular brand, its normal procedure to clean the lenses *on removal* not prior to putting them in.

Two reasons: if it cleans off most of the bacteria the overnight solution can do a more reliable job and, if you're using a stronger cleaning solution, better to use that when the lens is heading for the case, rather than heading for the eye, in case you leave a trace on.