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Eye-Care Tips for Wearers of Contact Lenses

Though most people probably won't come down with the condition, it's always a good idea to take good care of your eyes and contact lenses to avoid problems such as bacterial infections, which are much more common than fungal infections. Here are some guidelines:

Advice on wearing contact lenses:

• Wear your contact lenses as prescribed. Don't wear them longer than recommended.
• Never wear anyone else's contact lenses.
• Contact lenses may make your eyes more sensitive to sunlight, so wear sunglasses with total UV protection and/or a wide-brimmed hat while in the sun.
• Insert your contact lenses before applying makeup to avoid contaminating your lenses.
• Use a rewetting solution or plain saline solution to keep your eyes lubricated.
• Don't sleep with your lenses in, unless you have "extended wear" contacts.

Advice on cleaning and storing contact lenses:

• Always wash your hands with warm water and soap before handling your contact lenses or touching your eyes.
• Clean and store your contact lenses as prescribed (in a clean case in fresh solution).
• Clean your contact lens case after each use with either sterile solution or hot tap water; let it air dry.
• Never use plain water directly on your contact lenses and never put your contact lenses in your mouth to "rinse" them. Microorganisms can live even in distilled water, causing infection that can threaten vision.
• Clean your contact lens by rubbing it gently with your index finger in the palm of your hand. "No rub" solutions allow cleaning without rubbing.
• Don't let the tip of solution bottles touch other surfaces, including your fingers, eyes, or contact lenses. The solution can become contaminated.

Advice on eye care:

• Look for signs of eye infection, such as redness, burning, or excessive tearing.
• If you develop an eye infection, take your lenses out and don't use them until you talk to your eye doctor.
• See your doctor annually to check your contact lens fit and prescription.
• Visit a doctor immediately if you have any degree of sudden vision loss, blurred vision, light flashes, eye pain, infection, swelling, unusual redness, or irritation.

Top 10 Tips for contact lenses

1. Always wash your hands

Hand hygiene is essential, always wash your hands with soap and water, then rinse them before handling your contact lenses or touching your eyes. Dry your hands using a lint-free cloth or paper towel.

2. Do not sleep in lenses

Unless advised by your eye doctor, always remove your lenses before you go to sleep, take a shower, or go swimming.

3. Never use water

When you remove your contacts, be sure to rinse and gently rub them with the lens solution that your eye doctor recommends. Never use tap water or saliva to clean or wet your lenses!

4. Replace the lens storage case

Keep your contact lens case clean by washing it with warm water and soap every week. Replace it every month.

5. Do not over wear

Only wear your contact lenses for the recommended time and days of the week, as instructed by your eye doctor.

6. Makeup

If you wear makeup, try to avoid applying any makeup to the inner portion of your eye, where it can cause irritation. Mascara and eyeliners can infect your eyes and the contact lenses.

7. Backup glasses

Always carry a back-up pair of glasses, in case your eyes need a break from your contacts. Even if you wear your lenses on a full-time basis, ask your eye doctor for an inexpensive pair of backup glasses, as there will be times when wearing your lenses is just not possible.

8. Red eyes

Never wear your contacts if your eyes feel irritated or appear red. Wait until full eye comfort is restored before inserting them. Never hesitate to contact your eye doctor if you have red or irritated eyes, before wearing contact lenses.

9. Do not share

Never share your contact lenses with anyone, even family members. Whether your contact lenses are purely cosmetic or to correct vision — don’t let them touch anyone else’s eyeballs.

10. Your eye doctor is your friend

If your eyes or contact lenses are giving you any trouble, contact your eye doctor without delay.

SOURCES: Associated Press. American Optometric Association: "Clinical Guidance Regarding Fungal Keratitis Associated with Contact Lens Wear from the American Optometric Association Contact Lens & Cornea Section." WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with The Cleveland Clinic: "Eye Health: Caring for Your Contact Lenses."

Reference:

• medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=60957
• optometrists.org/general-practice-optometry/optical/guide-to-contact-lenses