What should patients be advised to do before removing contact lenses?

Before removing contact lenses, patients should be advised to wash their hands thoroughly. This is crucial because the hands can carry a variety of bacteria and other contaminants that could be transferred to the eye or the lenses themselves. By ensuring that their hands are clean, patients minimize the risk of introducing pathogens into their eyes, which could lead to infections or other complications.

Maintaining hygiene before handling contact lenses is a key component of proper lens care. Additionally, washing hands thoroughly helps avoid transferring any dirt, oil, or other substances that could adversely affect both the lenses and ocular health.