Contact Lens Safety Awareness Month

Contact Lens Safety Awareness Month

Contact Lens Safety Awareness Month

eye doctor

October is contact lens safety awareness month, so this month we will review the healthy habits to reduce the risk of contact lens complications. Contact lenses are considered a medical device and poor habits with contact lenses can result in corneal infections, red eyes, allergies, and poor comfort. Below are a few reminders of proper contact lens care.

  • Wash and dry your hands with soap and water before every time you touch your contacts.

  • Do not sleep in your contacts, unless you are prescribed the specific contacts that are approved for overnight wear.

  • Do not let your contacts come into contact with water. It is advised that you remove your contacts before showering and swimming. DO NOT USE WATER TO STORE YOUR CONTACTS

  • Use the contact lens cleaning system prescribed by your doctor and follow the proper instructions of that cleaning solution. Apply solution and rub for 20 seconds and then rinse the lens with a steady stream of solution for 10 seconds.

  • Fill your case with new fresh solution each day. Empty your case every morning, rinse with solution, and let it air dry upside down throughout the day. NEVER REUSE OLD SOLUTION

  • Change you contact lens case every 1-3 months.

  • Dispose of the lenses at the end of the approved wearing schedule.

  • Always have a backup pair of glasses.
     

If you have any redness, pain, discharge, or blurry vision with your contacts remove the lenses, throw them away, and contact your eye doctor. These simple steps to maintain proper lens care and hygiene can reduce the risk of infection/inflammation of the eye.

Some cases can be severe enough resulting in vision loss; therefore, if there are any complaints with contact lenses the best thing to do is discontinue wear and set up an appointment. If you have any questions about contact lens care, please call or discuss with your doctor at Clarke EyeCare Center.