Contact lenses are a fantastic alternative to traditional eyeglasses, providing improved vision and convenience for millions of people around the world. To ensure optimal eye health and comfort, it's crucial to establish a proper care routine for your contact lenses. Here are the essential steps and best practices to help you care for your contact lenses and maintain healthy eyes.
The first step to clearer vision with contact lenses is a contact lens exam.
Read What To Expect During A Contact Lens Eye Exam.
Caring For Your Contact Lenses
- Cleanliness is Key:
The foundation of contact lens care is maintaining a clean environment. Always wash your hands thoroughly with mild soap and water before handling your lenses. Avoid using soaps or lotions that contain fragrances, oils, or moisturizers as they can leave residue on your lenses. - Choose the Right Cleaning Solution:
Selecting the appropriate cleaning solution for your contact lenses is essential. Consult your optometrist to determine the best solution for your lens type. Never use tap water, saline solution, or saliva to clean or store your lenses, as they may contain harmful microorganisms that can cause eye infections. - Cleaning and Disinfecting:
Follow the recommended cleaning and disinfection procedures provided by your optometrist. Typically, this involves rubbing your lenses gently with a few drops of the cleaning solution to remove debris, protein deposits, and bacteria. Rinse them thoroughly afterward to ensure no residue remains. - Storage and Maintenance:
Invest in a quality contact lens case and replace it every three months or as recommended by the manufacturer. Rinse your case with sterile contact lens solution after each use and leave it open to air dry. Never use water to rinse or store your lenses, as it can introduce harmful bacteria to your eyes. - Replace Your Lenses as Directed:
Different types of contact lenses have varying lifespans, ranging from daily disposables to monthly or extended-wear lenses. It's crucial to adhere to the recommended replacement schedule provided by your eye care professional. Overwearing lenses or exceeding their designated lifespan can increase the risk of eye infections and discomfort. - Avoid Water Contact:
To prevent eye infections, it's essential to keep your contact lenses away from water sources such as swimming pools, hot tubs, and showers. Water contains microorganisms that can adhere to your lenses and potentially cause serious eye conditions. If water does come into contact with your lenses, discard them immediately and use a fresh pair. - Regular Check-ups:
Schedule regular eye examinations with your optometrist to ensure your contact lenses fit properly and your eyes remain healthy. These appointments also provide an opportunity for your eye care professional to assess your lens care routine and make any necessary adjustments or recommendations. - Be Mindful of Makeup:
Apply your makeup after inserting your contact lenses to avoid any debris or particles getting trapped between your lenses and your eyes. Opt for water-based, hypoallergenic products and avoid using oil-based or waterproof cosmetics that can contaminate your lenses or interfere with their clarity. - Handle with Care:
Always handle your contact lenses gently to avoid tearing or damaging them. Use your fingertips and avoid using your nails or sharp objects that can scratch the lenses. Never sleep while wearing your lenses unless they are specifically designed for extended wear. - Listen to Your Eyes:
Pay attention to any discomfort, redness, itching, or blurry vision experienced while wearing contact lenses. These symptoms may indicate an issue with your lenses or eye health. If you encounter any problems, remove your lenses immediately and consult your eye care professional.
Do you wear contact lenses and have dry eyes? You may need to change the type of contact lenses you’re wearing or you may need to take a break and switch to eyeglasses. Learn more by reading How To Choose Contact Lenses For Dry Eyes.
See Life More Clearly With Contact Lenses From Blink Eyewear
Caring for your contact lenses is vital for maintaining healthy eyes and enjoying clear vision. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can establish an effective contact lens care routine that ensures comfort, reduces the risk of infections, and maximizes the lifespan of your lenses. Remember, when in doubt, always consult your optometrist for guidance and advice specific to your individual needs. With proper care and attention, you can continue to enjoy the benefits of contact lenses while safeguarding your eye health.
Embrace the convenience and freedom that contact lenses offer, knowing that you're taking the necessary steps to care for them properly. With a little effort and attention to detail, you can enjoy clear vision and comfortable wear throughout your day, allowing you to fully engage in the activities you love without any visual hindrances. Happy lens-wearing and take care of your precious eyes!
Switching to contact lenses is great for style and convenience! If you’re ready to start wearing contact lenses, schedule an eye exam with a Calgary optometrist from Blink Eyewear for an updated contact lens prescription. Our Calgary optometrists will administer a contact lens eye exam complete with an examination of your eye health. Our friendly opticians will help you select the right type of contact lenses and will teach you how to put your contact lenses in and take them out so you are prepared to start using contact lenses regularly on your own. With three convenient locations in Crowfoot in NW Calgary, West Springs in SW Calgary, and Creekside in NW Calgary, Blink Eyewear can offer you great optometry services throughout the city. To book an appointment with Blink Eyewear, call 403-516-2292 or fill out the online contact form.