Contacts Knowledge

How to Care for Beauty Lenses: A Comprehensive Guide to Lens Maintenance and Eye Health

Colored contact lenses belong to medical device products. Their main components are hydrogel or silicone hydrogel. After wearing them, the lens surface easily accumulates impurities such as proteins from tears, which can breed bacteria. Therefore, the lenses need to be regularly cleaned, rinsed, and disinfected. Many people often know how to wear and remove them but have limited knowledge about care and maintenance. It is not an exaggeration to say that the proper maintenance of colored contact lenses determines the health of your eyes. So, how should colored contact lenses be cared for and maintained? Let's discuss it together.

Table of Contents

Maintain Personal Hygiene

First of all, personal hygiene is the top priority. Anything that comes into contact with the lens should be cleaned thoroughly. Items such as swabs, clamps, and lens cases should also be disinfected. After rinsing with lens solution, they can be used again. To sterilize, soak them in water at a temperature of around 70 degrees Celsius. During regular usage, it is important to regularly disinfect and clean them. Rinse them with lens solution every day, clean them with neutral detergent and air dry them every week. Do not use hand wash detergents, soap, alcohol, or any other cleaning agents on the contact lens storage case. Except for daily disposable colored contact lenses, all other types require care and maintenance. Before wearing a pair of colored contact lenses, soak the lenses in the lens case filled with lens solution for 5-7 hours to remove any remaining bacteria on the surface. Do not directly wear non-daily disposable colored contact lenses after opening them.

Cleaning Colored Contact Lenses

When wearing colored contact lenses, it is important to follow the rule of wearing before applying makeup and removing in the evening (i.e., wear them before putting on makeup and remove them before removing makeup). After taking off the colored contact lenses, they need to be cleaned, disinfected, and maintained. There are two methods for cleaning: hand washing or using a specialized contact lens cleaning device.

(1) Using a cleaning device: A contact lens cleaning device is a care product that automatically cleans the lenses. It is designed for user convenience. The cleaning device utilizes biomedically-proven protein electrophoresis technology, ensuring intelligent and noiseless cleaning. It eliminates the need for rubbing the lenses, preventing damage and providing relief from dryness, redness, and eye discomfort. How to use a contact lens cleaning device?

Step 1: Install batteries of the device or charge it.

Step 2: Remove the cleaning chamber and fill it with lens solution, and place the colored contact lenses inside.

Step 3: Close the chamber’s cover and securely install it on the base.

Step 4: Press the switch to start the fully automatic cleaning process. After 30 seconds, the indicator light will automatically turn off, indicating the completion of the cleaning. Remove the chamber from the the base, open the cover, and take out the contact lenses for wearing.

Lastly, a note on the use of silicone caps: The silicone cap is not required when the machine is in use. However, it can be placed on when the machine is not in use to prevent dust and maintain hygiene.

(2) Hand washing: Currently, there are many cleaning machines available in the market and they can reduce friction, but the hand-wash measure remains the best method. After cleaning, rinse the lenses, soak them, and store them. On the following day, rinse them again with fresh lens solution before wearing.

  • Before wearing or removing colored contact lenses, make sure your hands are cleanand dry.
  • Pour an appropriate amount of lens solution into your palm, place the lenses in your palm, and gently rub both sides of the lenses with your fingertips for at least 30 seconds. Be gentle to avoid scratching the lenses.
  • Rinse again with lens solution. After cleaning, place the lenses in the lens solution, making sure the liquid level does not exceed 2/3, and tighten the cap. Store the lenses horizontally.

Attentions Paid When Selecting A Colored Contact Lens Solution

Selecting the right colored contact lens solution is crucial for maintaining the cleanliness, comfort, and safety of your lenses. Below are some factors you need to pay attention to when choosing a colored contact lens solution.

  • Compatibility: Ensure that the solution you choose is compatible with your specific type of colored contact lenses. Different lenses may have different material compositions or coatings, and using an incompatible solution can damage or discolor the lenses.
  • Multipurpose Solution: Opt for a multipurpose contact lens solution that is designed for cleaning, disinfecting, and storing contact lenses. These solutions offer convenience and streamline the care process by combining multiple functions in one solution.
  • Allergies and Sensitivities: If you have known allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients, carefully review the product label or consult with an eye care professional to ensure the solution does not contain any substances that may cause adverse reactions.
  • Safety and Efficacy:Prioritize the safety and efficacy of the solution by choosing products from reputable brands and manufacturers. Look for solutions that have been approved by regulatory authorities, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or equivalent organizations in your country. These approvals ensure that the solution has undergone rigorous testing to meet quality and safety standards. Additionally, consider seeking recommendations from eye care professionals or other contact lens wearers who can provide insights based on their experience.
  • Usage Instructions and Convenience: Thoroughly read and understand the usage instructions provided by the manufacturer. Follow the recommended cleaning techniques, storage instructions, and expiration dates. Consider the packaging and size of the solution bottle to ensure it is convenient for storage and travel. Some solutions come in travel-sized containers, which can be practical for on-the-go use. Remember to store the solution in a cool, dry place and replace it according to the recommended schedule, even if there is solution remaining in the bottle.

By carefully considering these factors when selecting a colored contact lens solution, you can ensure that your lenses remain clean, comfortable, and safe for use.

Considerations For the Care and Duration of Lens

  • Proper care is necessary for both frequently worn colored contact lenses and those used less frequently. If you don't wear your lenses regularly, it is important to avoid leaving them soaked in solution for extended periods. You may tend to keep them in the solution until you need to wear them, which can be harmful. This is because lens solution has a specific shelf life, and using expired solution can lead to contamination and potential eye infections. Therefore, it is vital to replace the solution within its recommended timeframe.
  • The duration of lens wear is an important aspect of caring for colored contact lenses. Unlike regular contact lenses, colored contact lenses have slightly lower oxygen permeability. It is advisable to wear them for a maximum of 8 hours a day, avoiding exceeding 10 hours. It is crucial to refrain from wearing beauty lenses while sleeping to allow your eyes to rest and breathe properly. Prolonged lens wear can cause corneal hypoxia, reducing the eyes' ability to resist infections. Additionally, beauty lenses should not be used beyond their expiration date, as they may become less effective or pose a risk to eye health.

Timely Replacement of Lenses and Tools

  • Lens Solution Replacement:

For infrequently worn colored contact lenses, it is advisable to change the lens solution every three days.  Although the lenses may not be used daily, it is important to refresh the solution regularly to prevent the buildup of debris, bacteria, and other contaminants. Changing the solution every three days ensures that the lenses are stored in a clean and hygienic environment, minimizing the risk of eye infections or discomfort when wearing the lenses.

  • Thorough Cleaning Before Reuse:

In addition to replacing the solution, performing a thorough cleaning of the colored contact lenses at least once a week before their second use is recommended. This cleaning routine helps remove any accumulated debris or contaminants that may have adhered to the lenses during previous wear.  By cleaning the lenses, you ensure that they are in optimal condition before placing them in your eyes, reducing the risk of irritation or discomfort.

  • Replacement of Beauty Lens Solution, Lens Cases, and Lens Care Tools:

To maintain a hygienic lens care routine, it is important to replace beauty lens solution, lens cases, and lens care tools regularly. These items should be replaced every three months, even if they appear to be in good condition. Over time, bacteria can accumulate in the solution, and the effectiveness of the solution may diminish. Similarly, lens cases and lens care tools can harbor bacteria or deteriorate with prolonged use, potentially compromising the cleanliness of your lenses.

  • Inspection for Damage:

Regularly inspecting your colored contact lenses under bright light is essential to identify any signs of damage. If you experience any discomfort while wearing the lenses, carefully examine them for cracks, scratches, or breakage. If you notice any such signs of damage, discontinue using the lenses immediately.  Wearing damaged lenses can cause further irritation or injury to your eyes.  Replace damaged lenses with a new pair to ensure your eyes remain healthy and protected.

By following the recommended replacement intervals for lens solution, lens cases, and lens care tools, as well as inspecting colored contact lenses for any signs of damage, you can maintain a clean and safe lens-wearing experience. Regular check-ups with an eye care professional are also important to monitor your eye health and address any specific concerns or questions you may have regarding the use and maintenance of beauty lenses.

By following these guidelines and maintaining proper hygiene practices, you can ensure the longevity, comfort, and safety of your colored contact lenses while preserving the health of your eyes.