Dos And Don't For Contact Lens Wearers

What To Do And What Not To Do

Contact Lens Dos:

1. Do wash your hands before handling your contact lenses: Clean hands are essential when it comes to wearing contact lenses. Always make sure to wash your hands with soap and water before handling your lenses.
2. Do follow your optometrist's instructions: Your optometrist will provide you with specific instructions regarding how to care for your contact lenses. Be sure to follow their recommendations closely to prevent any complications.
3. Do clean your contact lenses daily: Contact lenses can quickly accumulate dirt and bacteria, leading to eye infections. Clean your lenses regularly, following the recommended procedures.
4. Do store your contact lenses in a clean case: Your contact lens case can also harbour bacteria if not cleaned regularly. Rinse and dry the case daily, and replace it every three months.
5. Do remove your contact lenses before going to bed: Sleeping with contact lenses can cause several problems, including dryness, infection, and corneal ulcers. It's essential to remove your lenses and store them in a clean case overnight.

Don'ts:

• Don't wear your contact lenses longer than recommended: Wearing contact lenses beyond their recommended duration can lead to corneal ulcers, infections, and even vision loss. Always follow the recommended duration of use by your optometrist.
• Don't wear contact lenses while swimming or in a hot tub: Swimming pools and hot tubs are breeding grounds for bacteria and other harmful microorganisms. Avoid wearing contact lenses in these environments to reduce the risk of infection.
• Don't rinse your contact lenses with water: Tap water is not sterile and can contain harmful bacteria, parasites, and other microorganisms that can lead to infection. Always use the recommended solution to rinse and clean your contact lenses.
• Don't share your contact lenses with others: Sharing contact lenses can transfer bacteria and other microorganisms from one person to another, increasing the risk of infection.
• Don't use expired contact lenses: Contact lenses have an expiration date for a reason. Using expired lenses can cause irritation, infection, and other complications.
   

Superior Contact Lens Care at Market Mall Optometry

Contact lenses provide an excellent alternative to eyeglasses, but it's essential to handle and care for them correctly to prevent any complications. Always follow your optometrist's instructions, keep your lenses clean, and avoid wearing them in situations that can increase the risk of infection. By following these dos and don'ts, contact lens wearers can enjoy clear vision without compromising their eye health.

The best way to get the most comfortable contact lenses for you is to book a contact lens exam and fitting and have a discussion with your optometrist. These eye experts will explain everything you need to know about contact lens care, including how and when to take your contact lenses out, what eye drops you can use, and what type of contact lenses work best for your lifestyle. A contact lens fitting determines the perfect contact lens size and shape for your eye so that your contacts can feel as natural as possible. To schedule a contact lens exam and fitting, contact Market Mall Optometry at 1-403-286-4884 or fill out the online contact form.
 

FAQ

Q: What types of contact lenses are there?
A: There are 2 types of lenses: soft lens and hard lens. Soft lenses are the most popular among contact lens wearers because they allow for more oxygen to reach the cornea. Hard lens options provide exceptional vision for patients with astigmatism. Talk to your optometrist to see which option is right for you.

Q: Will my contact lens prescription be any different from my eyeglasses prescription?
A: Yes, the adjustment method is different for contact lenses and glasses. To correctly adjust your contact lenses, it is necessary to know the measurements of the eye, which will determine the diameter and curvature of the lenses. Because the distance between your eye and your glasses is different from the distance between your contact lens and eye, your prescription may also differ.

Q: Is a contact lens exam different from a regular eye exam?
A: A contact lens exam will involve contact lens-specific tests and measurements, such as contact lens fitting and measuring your contact lens prescription. Although the tests are slightly different, a contact lens exam will be very similar to a regular eye exam and it will take approximately the same amount of time. To learn more, read What To Expect During Your Contact Lens Exam.