We get contact lenses in order to help our eyes, but as with any device, medical or otherwise, it only works as well as it should if it is properly maintained.
As with anything you make use of daily, being it a tool or a medical device, it is important that you take care of it so that it will perform its function for you at the highest level. This of course applies to your contact lenses as well.
If your lenses are not properly maintained, they can become harder to see through, thus defeating their purpose, and they will not last as long. Also, if they are not properly cleaned and disinfected, they can scratch your eyes and you could contract a potentially serious eye infection
The most important thing to remember is to follow the instructions. Both those of your doctor, who will tell you when your lenses should be worn and replaced, and those of the lens manufacturer. The manufacturer will provide you with directions on how they should be stored, cleaned, and disinfected, and this will vary based on what type of lenses you have. Additionally, if you have allergies, be sure to confirm that you aren’t allergic to either the lens material or something in the cleaning solution.
When it comes to lens storage, make sure to properly maintain their case. Keep it clean, and rinse it with sterile contact lens solution (not tap water, which is not completely sterile). Let the case air dry.
The case should be replaced approximately every three months, or immediately, if it is damaged.
Additionally, be aware of how long your lenses have been in storage for. Depending on the type of lens, they may have to be disinfected before use.
Be sure to both clean and disinfect any contact lenses you remove from your eyes before returning them to their storage case. It is also advised that you wash your hands with soap and water, then dry them with a lint free towel before touching them (either to remove or put on.)
Use the “rub and rinse” method to clean the lenses. Rub the lenses with properly cleaned fingers, then rinse them with your lens solution before soaking them.
For all types of lenses:
For reusable lenses:
For daily disposable lenses:
If your eyes feel irritated while you are wearing your contact lenses, remove them immediately and do not wear them again until you have consulted with your eye care professional. If you continue to wear them, you may contract an eye infection.
If you experience sudden vision loss, persistent blurred vision, light sensitivity, eye pain, redness, or extreme irritation, remove your contact lenses and consult with your doctor immediately. These may be symptoms of an eye infection.
If you want to avoid having to concern yourself with most of the care required for reusable contact lenses, you can ask your doctor about daily disposable lenses, which, as the name implies, are used once and then discarded.
You have contact lenses to take care of your eyes. Make sure you understand and take proper care of them as well. Be sure to follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer and use your lenses appropriately.
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Tuesday - Thursday
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Saturday
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Sunday
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