Understanding Contact Lens Care
Taking proper care of your contact lenses is essential for maintaining eye health and avoiding potentially serious infections.
Guidelines for Contact Lens Care
Taking proper care of your contact lenses is essential for maintaining eye health and avoiding potentially serious infections. Let's face it, a red, sore eye is no fun, and an infection can be sight-threatening. So, avoiding one is worth some effort. Follow these guidelines to ensure safe and comfortable contact lens wear.
Avoid Wearing Lenses When Sick - Do not wear your lenses if you are feeling unwell. Your immune system is compromised when you’re sick, increasing the risk of eye infections.
No Water Contact - Do not shower or swim in your lenses. Water can introduce harmful micro-organisms to your eyes, leading to infections. If you think water has touched your contact lens, dispose of the lens immediately.
Hygiene First - Always wash and dry your hands before you put your lenses in or take them out. This simple step can significantly reduce the risk of infection.
Carry Re-Wetting Drops - Keep some contact lens re-wetting drops with you to ensure your eyes stay comfortable and hydrated throughout the day.
Listen to Your Eyes: If a lens is persistently uncomfortable, do not continue wearing it. Discomfort can be a sign of a problem that needs addressing.
Discard them when you’re meant to - follow the recommended replacement schedule your lenses are designed for.
Purchase legitimate lenses - Contact lenses are prescription medical devices, and sizing and material matters. Purchasing from an optometrist, either online or in a practice, ensures you get a legitimate product that has been handled and stored correctly. It also means you avoid counterfeit products and you are covered by manufacturer warranty.
Regular Checkups - See your optometrist regularly to ensure your eyes are healthy and your lenses are fitting correctly.