Wearing contact lenses is a convenient way to correct your vision, but maintaining proper hygiene is essential to protect your eyes. In Worcester, many people wear daily, bi-weekly, or monthly contacts, yet fail to follow the correct routines for lens care. Poor contact lens hygiene can lead to irritation, eye infections, or even more serious complications. Practicing consistent contact lens care is the key to keeping your eyes healthy and comfortable.
1. Wash Your Hands Thoroughly
Before touching your lenses, wash your hands with soap and water, and dry them with a clean, lint-free towel. Avoid scented soaps, oils, lotions, and creams before handling your contacts. Clean hands reduce the risk of bacteria transferring to your lenses and prevent eye infections.
2. Clean Your Contacts Daily
Even if your lenses feel clean, daily cleaning and disinfecting are essential unless you use daily disposables. Your eye doctor can recommend the best eye care solutions based on your type of contact lenses and personal eye health needs. Using the correct solution ensures that your lenses remain sterile and comfortable throughout the day.
3. Avoid Contact With Water
Never expose your lenses to tap, pool, or lake water. Water contains microorganisms and impurities that can cause infections. If swimming is unavoidable, wear protective goggles and replace or clean your lenses immediately afterward.
4. Never Use Saliva
Although it might seem harmless, saliva contains bacteria that are unsafe for your eyes. Never use your mouth to wet or clean your contacts. Stick to recommended disinfecting solutions for lens care.
5. Don’t Top Off Old Solution
Mixing fresh solution with leftover solution in your lens case may reduce the disinfecting power and allow bacteria to accumulate. Always use a fresh solution for storing your lenses to maintain safety and effectiveness.
6. Replace Your Contact Lens Case Regularly
Change your contact lens case every 2-3 months. Tiny amounts of debris and microorganisms can linger in the case, contaminating your lenses and increasing the risk of infection.
7. Remove Lenses Before Sleeping
Sleeping in your contacts restricts oxygen flow to your cornea, causing redness, soreness, or infections. Only wear overnight lenses, such as orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses, as instructed by your eye doctor.
8. Schedule Annual Eye Exams
Your eyes change over time, and an updated prescription ensures you’re seeing clearly while maintaining healthy eyes. Annual comprehensive eye exams also allow your eye doctor to evaluate the fit of your lenses and address any hygiene concerns.
Final Thoughts
Proper contact lens care isn’t just about comfort—it’s essential for long-term eye health. From cleaning lenses correctly to using fresh solution and attending routine exams, every step matters. Whether you live in Worcester, Randolph, Lincoln, or Cranston, the team at Eyeson Group is here to guide safe lens practices, eye care solutions, and tips to keep your eyes healthy and your vision sharp. Schedule your next appointment with Eyeson Group today to ensure your eyes and contact lenses are properly cared for!