If you wear contact lenses, you know that it is essential to take proper care of them to avoid infection and other complications. At the Longwood Eye & LASIK Center, our Massachusetts ophthalmologists can educate you on whether or not you are a proper candidate for wearing contact lenses and how to take care of them.
Below are a few of our top recommendations and tips on how to care for your lenses:
- Always thoroughly wash your hands before touching and handling your lenses. Any debris or germs that remain on your hands when handling your lenses can be transferred to the contacts and, therefore, inserted into the eyes. This can increase the risk of infections and other complications, so be sure you start with clean hands when inserting or removing contact lenses.
- Always use a clean, sterile lens case to store your lenses when they’re not in use. This reduces the risk of debris ending up on the contact lenses, which can then scratch the eyes when put in place.
- Never reuse contact lens solution. You must always use fresh solution when storing your contact lenses. Do not “top off” the solution in your lens case; always rinse out the case and use fresh solution prior to storage.
- Replace your lens case approximately every three months. Lens cases are inexpensive and can be easily replaced.
- Never sleep in your lenses unless they’re specifically designed for overnight wear. This can reduce the drying of the eyes and infection that may occur if the contact lenses remain in place longer than directed. Many patients with daily contact lenses can dispose of their lenses each evening when they go to bed and use new ones the following day.
Schedule an appointment with our team today!
Following these simple tips can help you keep your lenses clean and safe and will help avoid any potential problems! If you have any additional questions regarding the care of your contact lenses that were not addressed above, contact the Longwood Eye & LASIK Center of Massachusetts to request an appointment at any of our four office locations in Springfield, Greenfield, Gardner, or Fitchburg. Our primary number is 800-676-5050, and is open to new patients.
