Contact lenses are a safe and effective way to correct vision for people who may not want to wear eyeglasses. While there are many benefits, contact lenses are not completely risk-free. They require some additional cleaning and care to reduce your chances of developing any issues. We’ll be covering different types of soft contact lenses and basic care tips.
Contact Lens Types:
Contact lenses are a medical device that can correct vision conditions, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia. They are typically made out of various air permeable soft polymers, thus the name soft contact lenses. These polymers allow oxygen to get through the lens at varying rates to maintain the health of the eye. Since contact lenses come in many different parameters and material, they must be properly fitted and prescribed by your eye care professional. Prescriptions for your contact lenses and eyeglasses may look similar, but they are not interchangeable.
Depending on the contact lenses you have been prescribed, there are different wear schedules. The most common are:
Daily Disposable: Discard after a single day of use
Bi-weekly Replacement: Discard every two weeks
Monthly Replacement: Discard every thirty days
Be sure to wear your contact lenses only for as long as prescribed by your doctor to reduce the risk of any eye infections.
Basic Cleaning Tips:
The cleaning process for soft contact lenses is fairly simple. All you need is a multi-purpose lens solution and a clean case! Never use tap water to clean your contact lenses or your case as this increases the possibility of introducing unwanted bacteria and viruses to your lenses and your eyes.
First things first, wash your hands with warm, soapy water and dry with a lint-free towel. Remove one lens at a time and place it in your palm. Add a few drops of the solution to the lens and gently rub side to side to dislodge any protein and buildup. Rinse thoroughly and place it in its case then fill with fresh solution. Now repeat on the other side!
In the morning, remember to discard the remaining solution after you’ve inserted your lenses. Rinse your case with a generous amount of solution and place upside down in a clean area. Don’t forget to replace your case every 1-3 months.
Do’s and Don’ts: Contacts Edition
We’ve compiled a quick list of tips for successful wear:
Only wear contact lenses that were prescribed for you by a doctor.
Wash your hands with soap and water before handling your contacts. Avoid scented and oily soaps as these might adhere to the surface of your lenses.
Replace your case every 1-3 months.
Never wear your contact lenses while swimming, showering, or bathing.
Use fresh solution when cleaning, filling, and rinsing your contact lenses and case.
Never use tap water or saliva to re-wet your lenses.
Replace your contact lenses as prescribed by your eye doctor.
Do not sleep or nap in your contacts unless approved by your doctor.
If you ever experience any irritation or discomfort, remove your contact lenses immediately and give us a call right away!
Contact lenses are an excellent option for many people, but they do require more advanced care and attention. Because contacts sit directly on your eye, they can cause serious eye infections if proper care is not taken. Following the directions provided by your doctor greatly reduces your risk of developing eye infections. If you ever experience any pain or redness that doesn’t go away even after removing your lenses, give us a call to schedule an appointment.