Caring for Your Contact Lenses

Do:

1. Wash Your Hands Thoroughly: Before handling your contact lenses, wash your hands with mild soap and water. This helps prevent the transfer of dirt, oils, and bacteria to your lenses and, subsequently, your eyes.
2. Use Recommended Solutions: Always use the contact lens solution recommended by your eye care professional. Different solutions may not be compatible with your lenses or could cause irritation.
3. Follow the Recommended Replacement Schedule: Whether you wear daily, bi-weekly, or monthly lenses, adhere to the prescribed replacement schedule. Over wearing lenses can lead to discomfort and increased risk of infection.
4. Clean and Disinfect Properly: Clean your lenses regularly with the recommended solution. Rub and rinse each lens individually, and use a clean case to disinfect them overnight. Replace your lens case when required to avoid bacterial buildup.
5. Keep Your Lens Case Clean: Rinse your lens case with solution after each use and let it air dry. Avoid using water to clean the case, as tap water may contain impurities that can harm your lenses and eyes.
6. Remove Your Lenses Before Sleeping: Unless your eye care professional advises otherwise, avoid sleeping in your contact lenses. Sleeping with lenses increases the risk of eye infections and reduces the flow of oxygen to your corneas.
7. Stay Hydrated: Adequate hydration helps maintain moisture in your eyes and lenses. Drink enough water throughout the day to prevent discomfort and dryness.
8. Don’t let your lenses dry out: Use comfort drops when necessary with your lenses. If your lenses feel dry then it it probably too late!

Don’t:

1. Use Tap Water on Your Lenses: Never use tap water to clean or store your contact lenses. Tap water may contain harmful microorganisms that can lead to eye infections.
2. Extend the Lifespan of Disposable Lenses: Disposable lenses are designed for a specific duration. Do not attempt to extend their use beyond the recommended time frame, as this can compromise eye health.
3. Reuse Solution in the Case: Discard the solution in your lens case after each use. Reusing solution can lead to bacterial contamination and increase the risk of eye infections.
4. Use Saliva or Homemade Solutions: Avoid using saliva or homemade solutions to moisten your lenses. These substances can introduce harmful bacteria to your eyes.
5. Wear Lenses While Swimming: Remove your contact lenses before swimming in pools, hot tubs, or any body of water. Waterborne microorganisms can adhere to lenses, increasing the risk of eye infections. Even if you aren’t planning on going under the water, we do not advise you wear your lenses in water.
6. Ignore Discomfort or Redness: If you experience persistent discomfort, redness, or any unusual symptoms, remove your lenses immediately and consult your eye care professional. Ignoring such signs can lead to more serious issues.

Proper care and maintenance of your contact lenses are crucial for preserving eye health and ensuring a comfortable vision experience. By following these dos and don’ts, you’ll be taking important steps toward enjoying the benefits of contact lenses while minimising the risk of complications. If you ever have questions or concerns about your contact lens care routine, don’t hesitate to consult with your eye care professional for personalised guidance.

Get in Touch

If you would like to find out more, or you wish to book an eye test, get in touch. Give us a call today at 0800 980 34 64 or email us at info@focusmedicaleyecentre.co.uk.