How to Care for Your Contact Lenses: Tips for Healthy Eyes

Published On - April 15, 2025

Mahdi Opticals Eye Wear
Caring for contact lenses

Wearing contact lenses offers unparalleled convenience and freedom, but they require diligent care to keep your eyes healthy. Improper use can lead to eye infections, dryness, or discomfort. At Mahdi Opticals, located on the Mezzanine floor of Adlife Plaza, Kilimani, we guide our customers on the correct care routines for contact lenses, ensuring optimal eye health. In this blog, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to properly care for your lenses, along with useful tips for beginners and seasoned wearers alike.

1. Why Proper Contact Lens Care Matters

Neglecting proper hygiene while using contact lenses can lead to:

  • Eye infections like keratitis.
  • Redness, dryness, and irritation.
  • Corneal ulcers in severe cases.

To avoid these issues, follow the guidelines below to ensure that your lenses remain safe and comfortable to wear.

2. Washing Your Hands: The First Step Every Time

Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your lenses.

  • Use unscented soap to avoid transferring chemicals.
  • Dry your hands with a lint-free towel to prevent particles from sticking to the lenses.

This simple habit prevents bacteria and debris from entering your eyes.

3. How to Clean and Store Your Lenses

Cleaning your lenses daily is essential to remove buildup. Here’s how:

  • Use fresh contact lens solution: Never reuse old solution.
  • Gently rub the lenses: Even if labeled as “no-rub,” gently rubbing them helps remove deposits.
  • Store them in a clean case: Fill the case with new solution every time.

At Mahdi Opticals, we offer high-quality cleaning solutions and contact lens cases for your convenience.

4. Daily Wear vs. Extended Wear Lenses: Know the Difference

  • Daily Wear Lenses: Meant to be worn for a day and discarded. These are great if you want to skip the cleaning routine.
  • Extended Wear Lenses: Can be worn overnight but require thorough cleaning and care.

We’ll help you select the right type at Mahdi Opticals based on your lifestyle and preferences.

5. The Dos and Don’ts of Contact Lens Wear

Dos:

  • Replace your lenses as recommended by your optician.
  • Use multipurpose or disinfecting solutions for cleaning.
  • Remove lenses immediately if you experience discomfort.

Don’ts:

  • Never sleep with your lenses unless prescribed by your optician.
  • Avoid swimming with contacts unless using waterproof goggles.
  • Don’t switch solutions without consulting your optician.

Mahdi Opticals offers free consultations to discuss safe practices and troubleshoot any discomfort.

6. Common Contact Lens Problems and How to Avoid Them

  • Dryness: Use rewetting drops to keep your eyes moist.
  • Protein Deposits: Clean your lenses daily with appropriate solutions.
  • Red Eyes or Irritation: Remove the lenses immediately and consult an optician.

We offer rewetting drops and cleaning kits at Mahdi Opticals to prevent these issues.

7. When to Replace Your Contact Lenses

Replacing your lenses on time is crucial to avoid infections.

  • Daily Lenses: Dispose of them after each use.
  • Weekly/Monthly Lenses: Follow the replacement schedule, even if they feel comfortable.

We send friendly reminders to our customers to help them stay on track with their lens replacement schedules.

8. The Role of Regular Eye Checkups

Even if your contact lenses feel fine, regular eye exams are essential to monitor your eye health and prescription needs.

  • Mahdi Opticals offers eye tests to ensure your lenses match your vision requirements.
  • We also check for any underlying conditions, such as dryness or infections.

Visit us every six months to keep your vision sharp and healthy.

9. Choosing the Right Contact Lens Solution

Not all solutions are the same. Some are designed specifically for sensitive eyes, while others target protein deposits.

  • Multipurpose Solutions: Clean, disinfect, and store lenses in one step.
  • Hydrogen Peroxide Solutions: Ideal for those with allergies but require extra rinsing.

Our opticians will help you select the best solution based on your specific needs.

10. Why Choose Mahdi Opticals for Your Contact Lenses?

At Mahdi Opticals, we prioritize your eye health and comfort. Here’s why we’re Nairobi’s top optician store:

  • Wide Range of Lenses: Daily, weekly, and monthly lenses from top brands.
  • Professional Fittings: Get expert advice to find lenses that fit perfectly.
  • Eye Tests and Consultations: Ensure your prescription is accurate.
  • Affordable Prices: Enjoy competitive rates on lenses and solutions.

We are conveniently located on the Mezzanine floor of Adlife Plaza, Kilimani. Drop by for a consultation today!

11. Travel Tips for Contact Lens Wearers

Traveling with contact lenses requires some extra preparation:

  • Pack extra pairs and a travel-sized solution.
  • Keep a backup pair of glasses in case you encounter any issues.
  • Carry rewetting drops to combat dryness from air travel.

 

Contact lenses are a great alternative to glasses, offering comfort and convenience. However, proper care is essential to prevent infections and keep your eyes healthy. At Mahdi Opticals, we provide expert guidance on contact lens care and maintenance. Whether you need advice on cleaning routines, fitting services, or lens replacements, we are here to help. Visit us at Adlife Plaza, Kilimani, to get started on your contact lens journey today!