Contact Lens Tips

• Always thoroughly wash, rinse, and dry hands before handling contact lenses.
• Replace your contact lens case each month to prevent a build up of contaminants.
• Follow the lens care instructions provided by your doctor.
• Insert your lenses before you apply makeup.
• Remove your lenses before you remove your eye make-up.
• Clean, rinse and disinfect your lenses every time you remove them.
• Do not sleep in your lenses unless your Optometrist has prescribe extended wear lenses that are designed specifically for continuous wear.
• Replace the solution every time you store your lenses.
• Never use tap water for cleaning contact lenses. Using tap water allows bacteria and other harmful pathogens to form on your contacts and then be introduced to your eyes once the contact is inserted.
• If you must wear your contact lenses while swimming or water sports, then a daily disposable is the best choice of contact lens.
• Never use expired lens solutions. When contact solution expires, the chemicals that kill bacteria no longer function properly, allowing impurities to build up on the lenses, making them uncomfortable to wear.
• Do not use saliva to wet or clean your lenses. . In an emergency, this may be your only option and it will work temporarily, primarily because your saliva is produced by your own body so it is compatible. BUT your mouth is a virtual breeding ground of bacteria the second you put food in, and “spitting in your eye” may introduce bacteria and lead to diseases of the eye, like corneal ulcerations or amoebic keratitis.
• Keep a storage case and a small bottle of lubricant or saline with you at all times for emergency use.
• Use fresh solution in the storage case each night. Be sure lenses are completely covered with solution when storing in the case. Do not just keep topping up your solution, start with fresh solution each time you use your case.
• Regularly rinse the storage case wells out with multi-purpose solution and let air dry with the tops off.
• Re-clean lenses that have dropped on the floor or on your clothes. There is no telling what bacteria or germs your contacts can pick up coming into contact with your clothes, the counter or the floor even if only for a moment.
• Make it a point to wear your glasses from time to time to give your eyes a break from wearing the contacts.
• Don’t wear your lenses if they are suddenly or consistently uncomfortable. This may be an indication of bacteria build-up on your lenses or a tear or an infection in your eye. If the discomfort continues, contact your Optometrist for evaluation.
• Do not wear your lenses if they are chipped or torn. Wearing a chipped or torn contact lens can scratch your cornea (which would be very painful) or cause an infection in your eye. The lens could also collect other bacteria in that tiny tear that could bring other infections and problems to your eye.
• To avoid contaminating your bottle of solution, do not touch solution bottles to lenses or case. And keep the lid securely closed when not in use.
• If you have a cold or flu, wear your glasses instead of your contact lenses. When your body is sick your normal tear production slows down and your eyes typically feel drier than usual, creating dry eye discomfort. Worse than the discomfort though is the danger that without enough moisture your contacts could scratch your eyes. Additionally, those OTC cold and flu remedies may help your symptoms, but they’ll make your eyes even drier.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions and call the office if you have any questions.
• Follow your wearing time schedule as prescribed by your doctor.