Contact Lenses: 4 Tips to Caring for Them

Contact lenses require regular care to avoid discomfort and optimize the nature of the eye. Cleaning is essential and should be performed with the proper cleaning solution as advised by your optometrist during your visit. The following four daily habits will help ensure proper care of your lenses in order for you to continue seeing clearly.

But First Hygiene

It is common sense; regular hand washing is the best way to avoid the spread of bacteria and infections. This is especially true when it comes to caring for contact lenses. As you are directly coming in contact with your eye, the chances of irritation are high.It is therefore essential to use a significant amount of soap (a mild soap, free of moisturizers is strongly suggested). Once your hands are fully lathered, be sure to rinse them thoroughly under running water. It is strongly discouraged to dry your hands with a cloth towel. Also, you should avoid handling the lenses with your fingernails as bacteria is often lodged beneath the nails even after washing. You also run the risk of ripping your lenses with your nails. This first step is the most important and often most neglected!

Establish a Routine

Make it a habit to always handle the same lens first (right eye or left eye) to avoid confusion. This step also applies when removing the lenses. Remove the lens from its container with the tip of your finger (rounded part of your finger) or pour the lens and the solution directly into the palm of your hand. During this step, it is important to examine your lens for signs of particles, deposits or tears. Always Thoroughly Clean Lenses After Each Use Just as with your skin, your eyes are also subjected to many irritants throughout the day. Unless you are wearing disposable lenses, we recommend that you clean them immediately after removal.

When Should I Remove My Lenses?

To save time and money, perhaps you have often thought “Just a few more days won’t hurt.” In fact, the longer you keep them, the more likely you are to suffer from corneal ulceration, keratitis, burning eyes or other dry eye related symptoms which could make it very difficult (or even impossible) to wear contact lenses in the long-run. The lifespan of contact lenses is determined by the equipment used. To ensure the health of your eyes, it is therefore important to follow the suggested wear time. With regards to daily disposable lenses, even if you only wear your lenses for 3 hours in a day, you must discard them as they are only meant to be worn once. The same goes for monthly disposable lenses. It is advised to note the date the lens package was open and closely follow the 30-day rule; even if they have only been worn a few times.

It is not recommended to wear contact lenses for more than 12 hours per day (continuous-wear lenses exempted as they may also be worn nights). Otherwise, the lenses will become grimy which will increase discomfort and prevent oxygen from reaching the cornea. NEVER wash the case or lenses with tap water as it may contain impurities or bacteria. Always use your advised solution when cleaning.  

The Right Way to Use Lens Cleaning Solution

Even if you wear your lenses occasionally, the lens solution in your container must be changed regularly. Stagnant solution is the ideal place for bacteria to grow. It is essential to change the solution daily, even if you are not using the lenses. To prevent film build-up in the bottom of the storage case, be sure to rise the case with the appropriate cleaning solution. It is also recommended to change the case every 3 months. During your routine visit with your optometrist, also have your contact lenses adjusted to ensure they fit properly and that the product you are using is still right for you. Your optometrist will evaluate several factors such as the hydration of your eyes, its curvature, the diameter required and adjust the prescription if required to optimize your vision. To ensure the health of your eyes, it is essential to alternate between wearing contact lenses and glasses. To find the products that are right for you, visit your nearest OptoPLUS location.