How should soft contact lenses be cleaned at the end of the day?

Cleaning soft contact lenses at the end of the day is crucial for maintaining eye health and the integrity of the lenses. Using a solution specifically designed for disinfection is essential, as it effectively eliminates microbes that can accumulate on the lenses throughout the day. While warm water, saline solutions, and general cleaning solutions may seem like viable options, they do not provide the same level of disinfection and can potentially harm the lenses or the wearer's eyes.

The correct approach involves using a disinfecting solution specifically designed for contact lenses after each day's wear. This ensures that any deposits—such as proteins, lipids, and other contaminants—are removed, and the lenses are free from pathogens. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and storing lenses to avoid complications such as infections or adverse eye reactions.

Gas permeable lenses might require different solutions, but for soft lenses, a disinfecting solution after each day is the best practice to ensure safety and comfort for the wearer.