As a follow-up to the first article in the series, A Clear Priority for Contact Lens Wearers, now that you know what symptoms to watch for, here are tips for proper care of contacts:
- Don’t Overwear Them—If your contact lenses only last for two weeks or a month, resist the temptation to wear them longer. Optometrist Dr. Joe Schneiderhan adds, “Bacteria and build-up can form and they can become dangerous or just less functional. They also wear out, so using them longer really isn’t a good idea. When your eyes begin to hurt it’s too late.”
- Remove and Replace Lenses Correctly—First, wash your hands! Remove or replace your contacts according to your doctor’s instructions. Use the right contact solution to clean them and always clean your case.
- Using Proper Solution for Disinfecting and Storage—Using water as a contact solution can introduce the parasite acanthamoeba to your contacts, even if the water’s from the tap and is safe to drink. In fact, any water source can be contaminated with this parasite, so you’re better off not allowing water to touch your contacts at all.
- Don’t Sleep in Your Contacts or Wear Them Overnight—Your contact lenses shouldn’t be worn while sleeping, and wearing them for a 24-hour period isn’t a healthy idea. You have 10 times higher risk for infection and long-term compromise to your ocular surface. Lenses make it easy for infections to form if they’re worn too long. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
Our team at Glenwood Family Eye Center can help with contact lens fittings, answering your questions, and getting you the vision care you need. If you’re concerned about your eyes or need to schedule an appointment, contact us at 320.334.3264.