More often than not, contact lens maintenance involves using one of the commercially-available multi-purpose solutions that take care of cleaning, disinfecting, rinsing and storage. After removing a contact lens, with hands that have first been washed using non-moisturizing soap, shoot the lens with a steady stream of the multi-purpose solution for a minimum of 20-seconds (or as directed), making sure that both sides of the lens are sprayed. Some solutions require that the contacts be rubbed in the palm of the hand using a clean fingertip to help loosen dirt, protein, cosmetics and other debris. Be sure to rinse each lens as directed as this is an important step in helping rid the lens of foreign matter.

Then, fill a clean storage unit with that same solution and place the cleaned lens into the appropriately labeled storage container. While the lenses are being stored, the solution will disinfect them. Repeat these steps for the other lens.

The maintenance steps generally are the same regardless of whether you wear soft contacts or gas permeable lenses. Because the maintenance steps were so frequently being skipped, it was important to devise ways to make cleaning as quick and as simple as possible. Again, your eye doctor is the person who should advise you on a suitable maintenance routine and to whom you should turn when questions arise.

Those wearing daily contact lenses that aren't disposable usually need to add an extra step to their maintenance routines, especially if they wear soft lenses or older styles of gas permeable lenses that are more prone to protein build-up. As an extra precaution, using an enzyme cleaner weekly (or as directed) is highly recommended.

Everything that may come into contact with your contact lenses must be kept clean. That includes fingers, hands, tips of solution bottles and storage containers.

Never use water for cleaning. It may contain contaminants and it's too harsh for some lenses.

Develop a cleaning routine and stick with it. Never change without first checking with your eye doctor or specialist.

If maintenance isn't happening on a regular basis, switch to disposable lenses. You're the type of person for whom these lenses were invented!