Contact lenses can make life more convenient but require careful daily habits. Skipping simple steps like handwashing or using fresh contact solutions can quickly lead to discomfort or serious infections. Caring for your contact lenses protects your vision and keeps your eyes healthy for the long term.
Why Contact Lens Care Is So Important
Taking care of your contact lenses is essential for healthy eyes. Following your optometrist’s guidance and practicing good hygiene can ensure comfort and safeguard against infections and vision issues. Remember, we’ll dive deeper into these critical topics during your contact lens consultation. Your eye health journey is exciting, and we’re here to support you every step of the way!
Lenses Sit Directly on Your Eye
Unlike glasses, contact lenses rest directly on the eye’s surface, putting them in close contact with bacteria and irritants. If not cleaned or stored properly, contact lenses can trap harmful particles and lead to infections like keratitis or long-term eye problems.
What’s at Risk Without Proper Care
When individuals neglect proper contact lens care and practices, several risks can arise, leading to various eye issues and discomfort. These poor habits can result in:
- Eye redness or discomfort
- Blurry or distorted vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Infections such as microbial keratitis
Proper care routines can significantly minimize these risks and help maintain clear, comfortable vision. Regular check-ups with an eye care professional can further ensure that your lenses suit your eye type and that your vision remains sharp.
The Do’s of Caring for Your Contact Lenses
A consistent and careful routine is essential to ensure a safe and comfortable experience with your contact lenses. These simple daily habits will help prevent eye irritation, infection, and other complications.
1. Always Wash Your Hands
Before touching your lenses, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Dry them using a lint-free towel to avoid transferring dirt or germs to your eyes.
2. Rub and Rinse Your Lenses
Even if your contact solution says “no-rub,” it’s still best to gently rub your lenses between your fingers to remove buildup, then rinse with fresh contact solution. This step enhances cleanliness and comfort.
3. Use Fresh Contact Solution Every Time
One of the most common contact lens mistakes that can lead to infection is reusing old contact solutions or “topping off” what’s already in your case. Never do this. Always discard the used contact solution and refill with fresh disinfecting contact solution before storing your lenses.
4. Clean Your Lens Case Regularly
Rinse the case with fresh contact solution (not water), leave it open to air dry, and replace it every three months. Cases can accumulate bacteria if not cleaned properly.
5. Follow Replacement Schedules
Use daily lenses for one day only. Replace bi-weekly or monthly lenses according to your doctor’s recommendations, not based on comfort.
By consistently following these best practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of eye irritation and infection, ensuring that your lenses remain a safe and effective vision correction option.
The Don’ts of Contact Lens Care
Taking care of your contact lenses is simple, but avoiding common mistakes is key to keeping your eyes healthy and comfortable. Let’s make sure you’re fully informed so you can enjoy clear vision without any worries.
1. Don’t Sleep in Lenses (Unless Prescribed)
Sleeping in contact lenses increases the risk of infection. Only do this if your lenses are FDA-approved for overnight use and your eye doctor approves.
2. Don’t Use Tap Water or Saliva
Tap water may contain microorganisms that harm your eyes. Saliva is also full of bacteria and should never be used to wet lenses.
3. Don’t Reuse Disinfecting Contact Solution
Old contact solution loses effectiveness and allows bacteria to grow. Always use a fresh batch for cleaning and storing your contacts.
4. Don’t Wear Lenses While Swimming or Showering
Avoid exposing lenses to water, especially in pools, lakes, or showers. These environments can introduce harmful microbes like Acanthamoeba.
5. Don’t Ignore Eye Discomfort
Remove your lenses immediately if your eyes are red, itchy, or irritated. Prolonged discomfort may indicate an allergy, dryness, or infection that needs attention. If your lens feels stuck or won’t come out easily, knowing how to remove a stuck contact lens is crucial to avoid further irritation or damage.
Avoiding these common mistakes will help you protect your eyes from irritation and infections, ensuring your contact lens journey is safe and wonderfully comfortable.
Protect Your Vision with Good Habits
Proper care of contact lenses keeps eyes comfortable, vision sharp, and infection risk low. Establishing good habits only takes a few extra minutes but pays off every day you wear lenses. If you have questions or want to ensure you’re following the proper care routine, contact Art of Optiks today.
