Vision is an important part of your life, so it is easy to see why annual vision exams are necessary. During an exam, you may learn you need a form of vision correction to improve your eyesight and the underlying health of your eyes. Eyeglasses are a common option for many patients with vision issues, but contact lenses are appealing because they do not need to be worn visibly on the face. Considering an estimated 30 million people in the United States choose contact lenses, you may also opt for this form of vision correction. Of course, proper care is essential to protecting your eye health and the function of your contacts. Using this guide, you can care for your new contact lenses in a natural, effective manner.

Simple Saline Solution

Visit your local grocery or discount store and you will most likely see a large selection of cleaning solutions for your contact lenses. While effective, these solutions contain chemicals that can be harsh on the lenses, leading to possible eye irritations.

The use of distilled water is a smart option since traditional tap water contains high levels of minerals and bacteria. Of course, distilled water alone is not sufficient for removing dirt, dust, and bacteria from the lenses, so use the following recipe to create a simple saline solution:

• ½ cup of distilled water
• ½ teaspoon of traditional table salt

Use a clean spoon to mix the salt into the water, ensuring it dissolves completely. Add a small amount of this simple saline solution into the compartments of your contact lens storage container. Soak the lenses each night.

Hydrogen Peroxide Solution

Hydrogen peroxide is a common ingredient in most households since it serves many purposes. From cleaning harsh stains to sanitizing a cut or scrape, there are endless uses for this ingredient. Thankfully, you can also use hydrogen peroxide to clean and sanitize your contacts.

Before getting started, wash your hands with liquid hand soap and warm water. Make sure to dry your hands with a clean towel, as well.

Add a small amount of hydrogen peroxide to the compartment of contact's storage container. Place your contact lens into the compartment and cover with the lid. Allow your contacts to soak in the hydrogen peroxide overnight.

After you wake, make sure to wash and dry your hands before removing the contacts from the container. Then, rinse with your simple saline solution before placing onto the eye.

Gas-Permeable Contact Cleaning Solution

Introduced in 1987, gas-permeable contact lenses are a durable, plastic option that transmits oxygen, reducing the need for water. This not only makes them easier to apply to the eye and more comfortable to wear, but also decreases the risk of bacteria, irritation, and eye infections.

While they are easy to maintain, cleaning them is still necessary. To clean your gas-permeable contact lenses in a natural manner, consider the following recipe:

• 1 cup of distilled water
• ¼ teaspoon of vegetable glycerin
• ¼ teaspoon of washing soda
• 3 drops of distilled white vinegar

Add the distilled water and washing soda to a pot and begin heating on your stovetop, stirring occasionally. Remove the pot from the heat after a few minutes. Add the vegetable glycerin and stir. Pour the liquid into a lidded glass jar and store at room temperature for 8 hours. After the time, add the drops of white vinegar and stir.

When it is time to clean your gas-permeable contacts, place a small amount of the solution into the lens case. Add the contacts and allow to soak overnight.

Contact lenses offer an appealing option for your vision correction, especially because you can simply buy contact lenses online, but proper cleaning and care is imperative. Using these natural, homemade solutions to clean your contacts, you can reduce the risk of eye irritation and infections.