Successful use of contact lenses is highly dependent on how you care for them. Unless you’re using daily disposables, it’s necessary to clean and disinfect lenses and lens cases daily. Without scrupulous care, your lenses may become compromised, increasing the risk of infection and other problems.
If you don’t clean and disinfect your lenses properly, one of several problems may arise. These include eye irritation, discharge from the eyes, redness, itching and even blurred vision and pain in the eyes. Most of these problems can be avoided by exercising great care each day when you put your lenses in or take them out and when you clean them.
Always wash your hands and dry them thoroughly before handling your contacts. An anti-bacterial hand soap that does not include a moisturizer is recommended when cleaning your hands. Women should put in their contacts before putting on their eye makeup. Don’t touch the nozzle of the solution bottle with your hands, to your eyes, or allow it against any other surface. Always re-cap the bottle when you are done.
Never use tap water, bottled water or saliva to rinse or wet your lenses. Instead, use saline solution, rewetting drops or the disinfectant and storage solutions to products that have been specifically approved for your brand and type of lens. Many of the newer contact lens materials require specific, non-generic solutions for proper cleaning.
Lens cases can be a source of problems. These aren’t always handled as carefully as the lenses, yet they need to be cleaned and disinfected daily as well, since they can become contaminated and affect the lenses. Cases should be replaced every three months or even every month if you wear your lenses daily.
Many of today’s contact lense cleaners and disinfectants are multipurpose, meaning that you can use the same solution to clean, rinse and store your lenses. This makes caring for lenses easier than ever. However, your attention is still needed to avoid infection and assure that your lenses will continue to be comfortable and provide you with the great vision you expect from them.
For more information, please call Advanced Vision Care Optometry at 661-257-4499.