Properly Caring for your Contact Lenses and Your Eyes

People choose to wear contact lenses instead of glasses for a variety of reasons. The increased vision range, more natural aesthetic and increased security make them a popular choice. However, if you do choose to wear contact lenses you put yourself at an increased risk for eye infections and other complications. To prevent problems resulting from your contact lenses, be sure that you do the following:

1. Practice good hygiene
   While handling your contact lenses you should always make sure your hands are clean. Before touching your lenses or your eyes wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, rinse them well and dry them using a lint-free towel.


2. Remove your contacts before sleeping
   This applies to disposable lenses, daily wear lenses and extended wear lenses. Even though extended wear lenses are designed to be worn overnight, continuous wear increases your risk of eye infections. This is because your contact lenses do not allow oxygen to reach your eyeballs. By removing your contact lenses each night you allow your eyes to rest.


3. Minimize contact with water and saliva
   You should always remove your contact lenses before you go swimming or sit in a hot tub. You should also only wet your contact lenses using lens solution. Do not stick them in your mouth.


4. Take care with your contact lens solution
   You should only ever use sterile, commercially prepared products that are designed for the type of contact lenses you wear. Every time you disinfect your contact lenses be sure to discard the solution in the contact lens case. Do not reuse the solution, or "top off" solution that is already in the case. Gently rub and rinse your contact lenses as directed by your optometrist, and never use contact lens solution that is past its expiration date.


5. Replace your contact lenses and cases as recommended
   You should always follow the manufacturer's guidelines when it comes to replacing your contact lenses. Clean your contact lens case by rinsing it with fresh solution and letting it air dry. To help your case dry more quickly consider flipping it over while it dries so that any excess solution can drain away. You should replace your case every three to six months.

Even with proper use and care a lot of contact lens wearers experience dry eyes. If your eyes become itchy or red, you should remove your contact lenses and use lubricating eye drops. If your vision becomes blurry or you experience any eye pain, sensitivity to light, discharge, swelling or other eye or vision problems you should remove your contact lenses immediately and consult with your eye care specialist for proper treatment.

For more information on caring for your eyes or contact lenses, or to book an appointment, contact Market Mall Optometry today at 403.286.4884 and visit calgaryeyeclinic.com.