There is nothing more important when it comes to contact lenses than exercising proper lens care for your contact lenses. Your eyes and sight are valuable and taking every precaution to ensure both are healthy while you wear contact lenses is vital. Here are some ways to best take care of your eyes and your contact lenses:
-Always obey the doctor’s instructions for eye care. It can sometimes be dreadful to go, but for better vision, it will be well worth it. Also, unless your lenses are specified to do so, never wear lenses to sleep. This goes for the daily disposable contact lens use also. When it’s time to do so, replace them, because trying to make the contact lens last longer can lead to unwanted consequences.
-Always take out the contact lens when necessary or in susceptible circumstances and store your lenses properly and use fresh solution to reapply them back in. This applies to water activities such as water aerobics, showering, beach, etc.
-Always wash your hands thoroughly with a clean rinse and dry your hands with a lint free towel before and after applying contact lenses. This will eliminate any dirt particles and reduce the chances of developing any eye related sickness.
-Do not put contact lenses into any non-sterile solution. It is best to use distilled water, saline solution or any other approved sterile product. Putting contact lenses in the mouth for moisture is considered a hazardous, unsanitary protocol. In addition, never use any do-it-yourself disinfecting solution to disinfect your lenses. Always use fresh solution when changing in and out of eyes as well and do not add new solution to old solution.
-Avoid using rewetting eye drops for contact lenses. It will cause the lens to change colors, especially to the soft contact lenses.
-Only apply contact lenses to eyes as doctor instructed. In addition, do not deviate from their eye care advice on how to properly clean and store your lenses as well.
-Keep the contact lens solution tightly sealed in a lens case and in a safe place. In addition, don’t let the top of any bottles come in contact with any other objects. It can spread eye infection germs and old solution will no longer be effective.
-Do not clean the contact lens case with tap water. Instead, clear the lens case every day with fresh solution and let it air dry. Clearing the lens case with fresh solution instead of tap water helps to reduce the amount of bacteria from spreading. Replace the lens case at least every three months.
-Replace your contact lenses as directed by your doctor, product description or prescription. Don’t try to stretch out your lens wear by keeping them past what is recommended. If the contact lens is cracked, torn, or any other damage, don’t use the lens. Instead replace with a new set.
-Don’t wear contact lenses past what is directed by your doctor, the prescription or the product’s specifications, especially daily disposable lenses.
-Make sure that the contact lenses fit correctly in your unique eye and make sure the prescription is correct/ accurate. Talk to your doctor if you notice any discomfort or discrepancy in your eye care routine.
-When applying your lens or lens cleaning, apply fresh cleaning solution to the palm of your hand and rub the lens in the solution to clean and disinfect your contact lenses, one lens at a time.
If you wear contacts, proper eye care and contact lenses use are an important part of wearing lenses. Taking the proper eye care precautions will not only help to preserve your vision but also your eye health. The best type of lens for your unique needs is also best recommended by your eye doctor. Your eye doctor can help to maintain your eye care system to keep your eyes healthy.
For a consultation and to schedule an appointment contact us today at 561-798-0244