Contact Len Safety Tips: the Do’s and Don’t of wearing contact lenses
Contact lens wearers must take certain steps to ensure safe contact lens use and protect their eyes. Improper care can lead to serious eye problems, including infections, irritation, and in extreme cases, even blindness.
Poudre Valley Eyecare is here to help guide you through the necessary practices to keep your lenses—and your eyes—healthy. Whether you’re a first-time wearer or a seasoned user, following these contact lens safety tips will help you avoid complications and keep your vision clear.
Dos and Don’ts for Contact Lens Safety
Taking care of your contact lenses doesn’t just mean inserting them in the morning and removing them at night. There are specific dos and don’ts that every wearer should know to ensure safe contact lens use.
Do Visit Your Eye Care Professional Regularly
An eye exam isn’t just for diagnosing vision problems. Regular checkups help ensure your prescription is up to date and your lenses still fit well. A qualified eye care provider can detect early signs of eye infections, dryness, or other conditions that could affect your ability to wear contact lenses. Make it a habit to visit your eye doctor at least once a year.
Do Wash Your Hands with Soap and Water
Before handling your lenses, always wash your hands thoroughly. This is the easiest way to avoid transferring bacteria, dirt, or oils to your lenses, which can lead to eye infections. Proper hygiene is essential to safe contact lens wear. Dry your hands with a lint-free towel to avoid leaving fibers on your lenses.
Do Remove Your Lenses Immediately If You Experience Discomfort
If your eyes feel irritated, red, or itchy after inserting your lenses, remove them right away. Even if it’s something minor, discomfort shouldn’t be ignored. Sometimes it’s just dryness or an incorrectly fitted lens, but in some cases, discomfort could be a sign of an infection or a serious eye problem. If irritation continues, contact your eye care professional immediately.
Do Follow the Lens Replacement Schedule
Every type of lens comes with a recommended replacement schedule—daily, bi-weekly, or monthly. It’s crucial to follow this schedule to prevent build-up of bacteria or protein deposits on the lenses. Wearing lenses longer than recommended can increase the risk of serious eye infections. Be sure to discard and replace your lenses on time to keep your eyes healthy.
Do Store Your Lenses in a Clean Case with Fresh Solution
Contact lens storage cases must be kept clean to avoid contamination. Always store your lenses in a case with fresh contact lens solution. Old solution or a dirty case can lead to bacterial growth and eye infections. Replace the lens case every 3 months to maintain hygiene, and never reuse solution from the previous day.
Do Always Rinse Your Lenses with Solution Before Inserting Them
Before putting your lenses in your eyes, rinse them with fresh contact lens solution. This helps remove any debris or harmful bacteria. Never use tap water to rinse your lenses—it can introduce microorganisms that can cause serious infections. Water is not sterile and should never be used for lens care.
Don’ts for Safe Contact Lens Use
While there are plenty of things you should do, there are also certain habits you need to avoid to ensure safe contact lens use. These don’ts help protect your eyes from irritation and infection.
Don’t Swim or Shower with Your Lenses On
Swimming or showering while wearing contact lenses exposes your eyes to harmful bacteria and microorganisms found in water. Water can easily get trapped between your lenses and cornea, which can lead to infections. If you wear contact lenses, always remove them before swimming or showering. This helps avoid serious eye infections that could lead to vision problems.
Don’t Touch Your Lenses with Dirty Fingers or Foreign Objects
Dirty hands can transfer oils, dirt, and bacteria to your lenses. Always handle your lenses with clean fingers, never with your fingernails. Don’t use tweezers or other foreign objects unless directed by your eye care provider. Always follow safe contact lens wear practices to avoid contaminating your lenses.
Don’t Sleep in Your Contact Lenses
Even if your contact lenses are labeled for extended wear, it’s still not a good idea to sleep with them in. Sleeping in lenses reduces oxygen flow to your cornea and increases the risk of eye infections. If you wear lenses designed for overnight use, be sure to follow the guidelines from your eye doctor. Removing your lenses every night is the safest way to protect your eye health.
Don’t Wear Expired or Damaged Lenses
Contact lenses come with an expiration date. Wearing lenses past their expiration can lead to discomfort or even serious eye problems. If your lenses are torn or damaged, never try to repair them. Damaged lenses can scratch your eye or allow harmful microorganisms to get in. Always replace old or torn lenses to avoid eye irritation or infection.
Don’t Use Saliva or Tap Water to Clean Your Lenses
Saliva and tap water can introduce harmful bacteria or fungi into your eyes. Only use fresh contact lens solution to clean and disinfect your lenses. Using anything else can put your eye health at risk and lead to serious infections or vision problems.
Best Practices for Putting In and Removing Your Contacts
How you insert and remove your lenses is just as important as the cleaning process. Follow these simple but crucial tips to reduce the risk of eye irritation and damage.
Clean Your Hands Before Handling Your Lenses
Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling your lenses. Even if you think your hands are clean, it’s always better to take this extra step to ensure they are free from bacteria or dirt that could harm your eyes.
Use a Well-Lit Area for Insertion and Removal
When you insert or remove your lenses, make sure you’re in a well-lit space. Good lighting will help you see clearly and avoid mistakes. If you wear glasses or have trouble seeing, consider using a magnifying mirror to make the process easier.
Use Your Dominant Hand
Using your dominant hand to handle your lenses will give you better control and precision. This reduces the chances of accidentally damaging the lens or your eye. It’s also more comfortable, especially if you’re new to wearing contact lenses.
Don’t Use Fingernails to Handle Lenses
Never use your fingernails to touch or remove your lenses. This can lead to scratching the lens, which may cause irritation or even damage your eye. Always use the pads of your fingers to handle your lenses carefully.
Rinse and Store Your Lenses Properly
After removing your lenses, rinse them with fresh contact lens solution. Never leave your lenses exposed to air for long periods. Store them in a clean lens case with fresh solution to keep them disinfected and ready for use.
Conclusion
Contact lenses are an excellent way to correct vision, but they require responsible handling to ensure eye health. By following the tips outlined here and working closely with your eye doctor, you can reduce the risk of infections and other serious eye problems. Remember, your eyes are sensitive and deserve the best care.
If you’re ever unsure about your contact lens care routine or have concerns about your eye health, don’t hesitate to contact Poudre Valley Eyecare. We’re here to help you maintain clear, healthy vision for life.
Dr. Eric Torgerson
Owner at Poudre Valley Eyecare
Dr. Eric Torgerson is the owner of Poudre Valley Eyecare, and has been recognized for his contributions to optometry and his commitment to community health through various roles and accolades within the Northern Colorado Optometric Society and the Colorado Optometric Association.
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