How to Store Coloured Contact Lenses So They Last Longer
By MesmerEyez | Published: 2026-10-15
Category: Tips & Care
Learn how to store coloured contact lenses properly with a simple case cleaning routine, the right contact lens solution storage habits, and steps that help make coloured lenses last longer.
Quick answer
Store coloured contact lenses in a clean, tightly closed lens case filled with fresh contact lens solution, never water or old solution. Rinse the case with solution, air-dry it face down, and refill it each time you store your lenses. This simple routine removes debris and buildup that can cloud the colour, irritate your eyes, and shorten the life of any lens.
Why storage decides how long coloured lenses last
Coloured lenses are not just clear lenses with a tint. The colour layer sits inside or on the lens material, and that surface can collect protein, makeup, and dust over time. If you drop a lens into yesterday's solution or leave the case open on a bathroom shelf, that debris stays against the lens and gradually dulls the colour and the comfort.
A proper storage routine does two things: it keeps the lens hydrated and it keeps the case clean enough that nothing new sticks to the surface. You do not need extra equipment, just fresh solution and a case you actually clean. If you wear 3 Month lenses, storage habits are the main difference between a pair that feels good for the full replacement window and one that feels gritty after a few wears.
What you need before you start
You only need three things: a contact lens case, fresh contact lens solution, and clean hands. A dedicated case matters because cases are not interchangeable with water or a random small container. A proper case has separate left and right wells, a tight seal, and a smooth interior that will not scratch the lens.
Keep a spare case on hand so you can swap in a clean one while the other dries. If your current case is cracked, discoloured, or has a film you cannot rinse away, replace it rather than trying to deep clean it.
- A clean contact lens case with two labelled wells
- Fresh multipurpose contact lens solution
- Clean, dry hands and a lint-free area to work on
Your step-by-step lens storage routine
- Wash and dry your hands first: Wash with soap and water, then dry with a lint-free towel. Moisture and soap residue on your fingers can transfer into the case and onto the lens. Checkpoint: if your hands still smell of soap, rinse again before touching the lens.
- Empty and rinse the case with fresh solution: Pour out any old solution, then rinse both wells and both caps with a little fresh solution. Do not rinse with tap water, bottled water, or saliva. Mistake to avoid: topping up the old solution instead of emptying it first.
- Place each lens in its correct well: Set the right lens in the right well and the left lens in the left well. Keep the same side habit every time so you never mix them up. Checkpoint: if you are unsure which lens is which, check the shape and colour before storing, not after.
- Fill with fresh solution and close tightly: Fill each well with enough fresh solution to fully cover the lens, then screw both caps on until snug. Do not overtighten, which can crack the cap. Mistake to avoid: leaving the case open, which lets dust and bacteria settle in.
- Store the case in a cool, dry place: Keep the closed case away from direct sun, radiators, and steamy bathroom counters. A bedroom drawer or cabinet is better than the sink edge. Checkpoint: heat and moisture are the two conditions that degrade lenses fastest.
- Clean the case weekly and replace it regularly: Once a week, rinse the case and caps with fresh solution and let them air-dry face down on a clean tissue. Replace the case at least every three months. Mistake to avoid: letting the case air-dry upright, which traps water inside the wells.
Products that support this routine
- Contact Lens Solution & Case: A proper contact lens solution and case set from MesmerEyez is designed to look after your contact lenses. Using a dedicated case and fresh solution is the foundation of every storage step below, so you are not reusing a worn case or topping up old solution.
