Tips for Keeping Your Contacts Clean

Contact Lenses have become completely normalized over the years. Millions of people use them safely every day, and you can too. However, there are a number of factors that can contribute to an infection such as:

Wearing the lenses for an extended period of time
Falling asleep with your contact lenses in
Not producing enough tears under the lens
Harmful environmental factors
Not taking appropriate precautions for proper hygiene
It’s important to keep in mind that the risk of inflection can vary depending on the type of lens. If you are looking for a low-risk soft lens, consider a single-use daily prescription. Alternatively, rigid gas permeable lenses are safe for someone who prefers a hard lens. If you need help deciding, speak with your optometrist about which option is right for you.

Regardless of the type of lens, the guidelines for proper care remain the same and are imperative for maintaining healthy eyes. It is highly recommended that you do the following as part of your routine:

Wash your hands with soap and water before handling your lenses
Never store or rinse your lenses in water
Remove your contacts before going swimming or taking a shower
Remove your contacts before going to bed
Never use saline solution to disinfect your lenses
Never reuse old solution, and do not transfer the solution into travel-size containers
Use the ‘rub and rinse’ method when cleaning your contacts
Keep your lens case clean and replace it every two-three months
Most importantly, once you have determined a wear and replace schedule with your doctor, stick with it. Contact lens prescriptions typically expire within one year, so it is important to stay on track. Be sure to follow up with your doctor and have regular exams to ensure your prescription and lenses are still working for you. If you are experiencing issues with your lenses or think your eyes may be infected, do not wait for your next exam. Consult with your optometrist or ophthalmologist immediately.