Contact lenses are considered a very convenient and easy-to-use alternative to glasses. However, because they come in direct contact with the eyes, proper care is needed to ensure that these lenses do not cause injury or infection.
Our Eye and LASIK Center team in Massachusetts discusses some of the most important steps for caring for your contact lenses.
- Always wash your hands thoroughly before putting them on or taking them off. Contacts should also only be handled by using clean hands. You should never put used contacts back into their storage case or remove them without washing your hands first.
- Avoid wearing contact lenses when you are sick, as this can lead to an increased risk of eye infections from the germs you may carry, especially if you have not washed your hands thoroughly before handling them.
- Use a proper case to store your contact lenses when you are not wearing them. You should always ensure that you use a clean and appropriate storage case for your lenses. Contacts can easily become damaged by dirt and bacteria if not stored correctly, so this is an essential part of caring for your lenses.
- Keep new, clean solution on hand. You should ensure that any contact lens solution that is old has been discarded from the case after each use, as this will help prevent infections.
- Remove contact lenses if they become problematic. If you notice any physical changes or discomfort when wearing contact lenses, then you should remove them immediately and see a doctor right away. This may include redness or irritation in the eyes, swelling in the eyelids or excessive discharge from the eyes – all of which can indicate an infection or other serious problem.
- Take regular breaks from wearing your contacts to give your eyes a chance to rest. This will help ensure that your eyes stay healthy and that you do not develop any long-term problems with your vision. For example, consider taking a break if you wear contacts every day or during activities such as swimming or sports.
Learn More About Caring for Your Corrective Lenses
Many steps are essential for the proper care of contact lenses. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your contacts do not cause any injury or infection to the eyes. If you have any further questions about caring for contacts or corrective lenses, call the Eye and LASIK Center at 800-676-5050 to schedule a visit with our experienced doctors at one of our office locations in Fitchburg, Springfield, Gardner, and Greenfield, MA.