How to Properly Care for Your Contact Lenses

Proper contact lens care is essential for the success of wearing lenses. It also helps to reduce the risk of infections. The care instructions may differ depending on your lens type and material and how you wear the lenses. Failing to follow the instructions can lead to vision problems. Disposable lenses require the least care and are ideal for people who do not want to handle the cleaning routine. 

 

Wash and Dry Your Hands

Always wash and dry your hands before handling your contacts. Use a mild, scent-free soap with no oils to avoid leaving a film on your hands. If oils or perfumes enter the eyes, they can cause irritation or blur vision. Use a clean, lint-free towel to dry your hands. Keeping your fingernails short will keep you from damaging the lenses or scratching your eye. 

Contact Lens Products 

The contact lens products you need will depend on the type of lenses you have. Some lenses require special care solutions. Use the recommended eye drops, disinfecting solutions, and cleaners. 

Never use water to clean your lenses. Do not rinse the lens by putting it in your mouth. You should never use products that are past the expiration date. Do not allow the tip of the solution bottle to touch your eye, fingers, or lens. 

Cleaning Your Lenses 

Various cleaning systems are available. The process may involve one or two steps, depending on the products you choose. To clean your contact lens, place it on the palm of your hand and add the cleaning solution. 

Rub it gently with your index finger for about 20 seconds or according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The rubbing helps to remove any protein buildup. Always work with the same lens first to avoid mixing them up. Rinse and soak the lenses as directed.

Contact Lens Case

To soak the contact lenses, place them in a dry case before filling them with the multipurpose solution. Soaking time will depend on the type of solution and may range between four to eight hours. 

Clean your contact lens case after every use. Use sterile saline solution to clean the case and leave it to air dry before the next use. Replace the case every three months or as directed. Overuse can increase the risk of eye infections. 

Safe Contact Lens Wear

Wear your contact lenses as directed to ensure safety. Wearing them for longer than recommended can lead to eye infections and other vision problems. If you have trouble remembering, you can use a chart to track your lens schedule. Never share your contacts with anyone to avoid spreading infections. Avoid sleeping with your contacts unless you have extended-wear or ortho-k lenses.

Put on your makeup after putting in your lenses to avoid transferring irritants into the eye. Take out your lenses before removing your makeup. If you use hair spray, apply it before putting it in your contacts. 

You can use a rewetting solution to keep your eyes moist. If you experience irritation, remove your contacts and visit your eye doctor. Contact your doctor if you experience vision changes or sudden vision loss. 

For more on properly caring for your contact lenses, visit Family Vision Clinic at our office in Wilmington, North Carolina. Call (910) 392-4414 to book an appointment today.