What is an important tip for caring for contact lenses?

Periodic removal and cleaning of contact lenses is crucial for maintaining eye health and ensuring the longevity of the lenses themselves. Contact lenses can accumulate deposits of protein, lipids, and other materials from tears and the environment. If these deposits are not removed regularly, they can lead to discomfort, reduced vision clarity, and an increased risk of eye infections.

Regularly removing and cleaning the lenses allows for proper hygiene and can prevent complications such as conjunctivitis or keratitis. Cleaning solutions are specifically designed to disinfect and remove debris, which is important for safe contact lens wear. This practice also allows the eyes to rest and rehydrate, as wearing lenses continuously without breaks can lead to dryness and irritation.

In contrast, continuous wear of lenses without removing them not only neglects the necessary cleaning routine but can also damage the lenses and harm the eyes. Using plain water for cleaning is ineffective and potentially harmful, as it does not properly disinfect the lenses and can introduce microorganisms. Storing lenses in saline solution is insufficient for cleaning purposes; while saline can be used for rinsing lenses, it does not disinfect them. Therefore, periodically removing and cleaning contact lenses is the best approach for ensuring eye health and lens performance.