Being a contact lens wearer comes with responsibilities. While these medical devices are generally safe, making sure they are well-cared for properly is imperative. Ensuring safety while handling contact lenses lessens the risk of serious problems, such as eye infections. Keep in mind these rules of safe contact lens wear:
1. Never Sleep With Your Contacts Inside Your Eyes
Unless you are wearing gas-permeable contacts that can be worn overnight, it is never a good idea to sleep with your contact lenses on as it can increase your risk for nasty eye infections.
2. Keep Your Contacts Away From Water
Remove your contacts when you are in the shower, tub, swimming pool or any body of water.
3. Wash Your Hands Before Handling Contacts
Before removing your contacts from the container, wash your hands first with soap and water, and dry with a lint-free towel.
4. Don’t Wear Contacts When You’re Sick
Continued handling and use of contacts in the presence of upper respiratory infections can affect your eye health. If you have a cold, and you still wear them, you are likely to get conjunctivitis or “pink eye.”
5. Rub the Lens With the Solution
This is an important step, especially when using soft contact lenses with a multipurpose solution. Do this for up to 20 seconds to remove deposits and microorganisms. Follow it up with a thorough rinse with the solution.
6. Replace Your Contact Lens Solution
If you use reusable contacts, make sure to replace the solution with a fresh one before putting them back in the case. Never top off the old solution. Stop using it if it is already past its expiration date.
7. Replace Contact Lens Case
Just like your toothbrush, your contact lens case can get dirty. Replace it at least every three months.
8. Replace Your Contacts
Follow the recommendations of your optometrist when it comes to replacing contact lenses. It helps prevent the build up of lens deposits and contamination that increase the risk of eye infections.
9. Discard Contacts That Land on Surfaces
The “five-second rule” doesn’t apply to contact lenses. It is not enough to simply rinse off the contaminants and dust particles from the floor, sink or any other surface. Use a new pair instead, especially if you are wearing disposable soft contacts.
10. Never Wear Torn Contacts
Discard ripped contact lenses right away. The jagged edge of a torn lens could scratch your cornea.
For your annual eye exam or next contact lens prescription, visit Northern Virginia Doctors of Optometry. We serve residents of Arlington, VA, and the surrounding communities. Call (703) 660-9494 (Alexandria), (703) 413-1400 (Crystal City), (703) 522-7676 (Clarendon), (703) 573-1200 (Falls Church), (703) 467-9080 (Reston) or (540) 955-5051 (Berryville). You may also fill out our contact form to request an appointment.