Are you one of the 45 million people in the United States who wears contact lenses? Maybe you’ve worn contact lenses since you were a child, or maybe you just started wearing them recently. No matter how long you’ve been wearing contact lenses, it’s important to maintain proper contact lens hygiene. Taking proper care of your contact lenses is essential in getting the most out of your contacts and keeping your eyes as healthy as possible.
So what does recommended contact lens hygiene entail? Taking care of your contacts isn’t complicated, but consistency is key. Practice the steps below daily to maintain your lenses and comfort.
- Wash your hands with soap and water before inserting or removing contact lenses.
- Disinfect your contact lenses. Rinse your lenses with fresh contact solution every time you remove them. Never use tap water or any other kind of water to clean your contacts; only use contact solution.
- Use the “rub and rinse” method. After removing your contacts, rub your contacts with clean fingers and rinse them with solution.
- Use fresh contact solution every day. Do not place your contacts in day-old solution. It holds bacteria and dust that can build up on your contacts.
- Clean your lens case once a week with distilled water. Do not use tap water. Let the case air dry.
- Replace your lens case every two to three months.
- Follow the schedule your doctor prescribed. Some contacts are designed to be replaced daily, monthly, or bi-monthly. Talk to your doctor to make sure you know how often to replace your lenses. Wearing lenses for too long can damage your eyes.
- Don’t wear scratched contact lenses. If your lens is torn or scratched, throw it away. Wearing it can cause eye irritation and damage. If your lenses are causing any discomfort or irritation that doesn’t go away with a new pair, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor.
If you have questions about contact lens hygiene or you’re on the fence about whether or not contact lenses are a good fit for you, contact Broberg Eye Care today. We’ll schedule an appointment to review your vision history, see if you’re a good candidate for contacts, and answer any questions you might have.