Maintaining proper hygiene with contact lenses is an important part of maintaining clear vision and healthy eyes. The following guide provides some tips and recommendations on how to look after your contact lenses.
- Wash Your Hands:
- Before Handling Lenses, always wash your hands with mild, fragrance-free soap and water before touching your contact lenses. Make sure you dry your hands before handling the contact lenses. Never handle your contacts with wet hands or clean, rinse or store your contacts in water.
- Cleaning and Disinfecting Solutions:
- Daily Cleaning: Use a recommended multipurpose solution to clean your lenses daily. Rub and rinse them in the solution for effective removal of debris and microorganisms.
- Disinfecting: Ensure your lenses are stored in fresh disinfecting solution every time you remove them. Never use tap water or saliva as this can cause a eye infection.
- Lens Cases:
- Replace your lens case every three months, or as recommended by your eye care professional, to prevent the build-up of bacteria.
- Rinse the case with sterile solution and let it air dry. Avoid using tap water for cleaning. Always place the case face down so that lint and bacteria don’t fall into the case.
- Avoid Water Exposure:
- Remove your contact lenses before swimming or showering to prevent exposure to waterborne microorganisms. Water, whether from a pool, tap, or shower, can introduce harmful bacteria to your lenses.
- Follow Wearing Schedules:
- Daily Disposable Lenses: If you use daily disposable lenses, ensure you discard them after each use. Never attempt to reuse them.
- Fortnightly/Monthly Lenses: Adhere to the recommended wearing schedules for fortnightly or monthly lenses. Replace them as instructed to maintain optimal lens performance and eye health.
- Eye Exams:
- Schedule regular eye examinations with your optometrist to monitor your eye health and ensure your contact lens prescription is up-to-date. Ask your optometrist what is an appropriate schedule for your eyes – it is generally every 12 months.
Practicing good hygiene with your contact lenses is crucial for maintaining healthy eyes and clear vision. Follow these essential tips, and choose high-quality cleaning and disinfecting solutions. Remember, your eye care professional is your best resource for personalized advice and recommendations based on your unique needs. Prioritize your eye health, and enjoy the convenience and clarity that contact lenses can offer when used with care.
