How to Properly Care for Your Contact Lenses

If you want contact lenses, you must schedule a comprehensive eye exam first. An eye doctor will examine your eyes to determine your suitability for contact lenses. After contact lens fitting, you will receive proper wear and care instructions. Failing to clean and disinfect contact lenses can cause eye infections and other complications. 

Proper Contact Lens Use

Make sure your contact lenses fit properly. Improper fitting lenses can scratch your eyes and lead to the growth of blood vessels in the cornea. You must avoid using eye drops when wearing contacts. 

You can use preservative-free lubricating drops or rewetting drops as directed. If your eyes are red, irritated, watery, or painful, remove your lenses and visit your eye doctor as soon as possible. Avoid wearing contacts if you have eye discharge or blurry vision. 

Cleaning Your Contacts

Clean and disinfect your lenses immediately after you remove them and before you wear them. There are cleaning systems available for various types of contacts. Your eye doctor will recommend the best products for your lens type. 

If your eyes are prone to the formation of protein deposits, seek the best cleaning solution for your condition. If you have allergies, choose products that will not worsen your condition. Follow instructions to clean, disinfect, and store the lenses. You should never reuse old cleaning solutions. 

Handling Your Contacts

Wash your hands carefully and dry them before you handle your contacts to remove all traces of oils or lotions. Use perfume-free soap and a lint-free towel. Keeping your nails short will ensure you do not scratch your eyes when inserting or removing the lenses. 

Always examine the lenses before wear. If you notice signs of damage, do not wear the lens. Use a good-quality lens case to store your contacts. Use a sterile saline solution to clean the case and let it air dry. 

Safe Contact Lens Wear

Ensure you wear your contact lenses for the recommended time. Change them as often as instructed, and do not wear daily wear lenses for more than one day. If you remove the daily disposables in the middle of the day, do not reinsert them but use a fresh pair. 

Do not shower, take a bath, or swim with your lenses in your eyes. Always remove your lenses before you sleep unless you choose extended-wear lenses. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes while outdoors.

Regular Eye Exams

If you wear contact lenses, ensure you schedule regular eye appointments. The cornea can change shape, and lenses often warp over time. Regular checkups ensure the lenses fit properly and you are wearing the right prescription. 
 

If you experience sudden vision loss or other vision changes, discontinue contact lens use and visit your doctor immediately. Look out for symptoms such as severe redness, light flashes, blurred vision, eye swelling, pain, and irritation.

You must never share contact lenses with anyone. Be careful when wearing the lenses to avoid inserting them inside out. If your eyes feel irritated, remove the lenses and do not wear them again until you talk to your doctor. Do not use water, saliva, or homemade saline solutions to clean your lenses. Use fresh cleaning solution each time. 

For more on proper care for your contact lenses, call Eyedeology Eye Care and Optical Boutique at (407) 470-0579 to reach our Orlando, Florida office.