Wearing contact lenses comes with great responsibility, particularly when it comes to proper hygiene and care. Neglecting contact lens care can lead to eye infections, irritation, and in extreme cases, permanent damage to your eyes. Here are some essential tips for how to take care of your contacts and ensuring your eyes stay healthy.
1. The Right Way to Clean Contacts
One of the first steps in contact lens care is cleaning your lenses properly. After removing your lenses, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, and dry them with a clean, lint-free cloth. Immediately after removal, clean your lenses with the contact eye solution recommended by your eye doctor. Gently rinse your lenses, scrubbing them from edge to edge with the solution. Never wait until the morning to clean your contacts, as debris can get stuck on the lenses, making it harder to clean them effectively.
2. The Dangers of Storing Lenses in the Wrong Liquids
How to clean contacts properly also means using the right storage solutions. Never store or wash your lenses in tap water. Tap water is not sterile and can cause severe infections, such as Acanthamoeba keratitis, a serious eye infection. Homemade saline also poses a risk of fungal infections. Always store your lenses in disinfecting solution or the prescribed contact lens solution to ensure they are properly cleaned and sanitized.
3. Avoid Using Saliva to Clean Your Lenses
It might seem convenient, but using saliva to clean your contact lenses is a huge mistake. Saliva contains bacteria that belong in your mouth, not on your lenses or in your eyes. If you have a cut in your eye, these bacteria could cause a serious infection. Always carry a small container of contact lens solution or artificial tears to clean your lenses. If your lenses are bothering you, it’s best to remove them and clean them properly.
4. Don’t Reuse Cleaning Solution
Another common mistake is reusing cleaning solution or topping off the solution in the lens storage case. This practice can lead to eye infections because the bacteria and debris from your lenses are left in the solution. When you reuse it, you’re essentially putting those bacteria back into your eyes, which could result in an infection. Always use fresh contact lens solution and dispose of any remaining solution from the previous day before adding new solution.
5. Follow the Prescribed Wearing Schedule
Each contact lens comes with a prescribed wearing schedule. If your lenses are meant for daily wear, monthly lenses, or extended wear, make sure you stick to the recommended timeline. Wearing lenses past their prescribed duration can lead to a buildup of bacteria and mucus, increasing the risk of eye irritation and infection. If you have any doubts, consult with your eye doctor to ensure you are following the proper schedule.
6. Listen to Your Eyes: Take Breaks and Care for Discomfort
If your eyes are feeling irritated, red, or blurry, take your contact lenses out immediately. Eye discomfort can be a sign that something is wrong with your lenses or that your eyes are not properly hydrated. Apply lubricating drops specifically designed for contact lens wearers to relieve dryness. If discomfort persists, remove the lenses and check them for damage or dirt. Never ignore eye discomfort as it could lead to an infection if left untreated.
Conclusion: Protect Your Eyes with Proper Contact Lens Care
Improper contact lens care can lead to serious eye infections, blurry vision, and in the worst case, permanent eye damage. Always follow the instructions given by your eye doctor and keep your contact lenses clean to prevent infections and ensure your eyes stay healthy.
Are you taking proper care of your contact lenses? Schedule an appointment with our eye doctors to make sure your eyes are healthy and your contacts are properly fitted and cleaned.