If you wear contact lenses, then you know about the many benefits they offer. Contact lenses can provide crisp, sharp vision and offer freedom from eyeglasses. However, while they are convenient and aesthetically pleasing, contact lenses may cause irritability or issues without proper care.
How to wear contact lenses safely
To avoid any potential problems with your eyes, you want to make sure that you are wearing contact lenses safely. Here are some contact lens safety guidelines to help you protect your eyes and allow you to continue to wear your contacts comfortably.
Remove contact lenses before bed
Unless your doctor has prescribed lenses that are meant to be worn overnight, remove your contact lenses before you go to bed. Your eyes need oxygen, and keeping your contact lenses on your eyes all night does not allow them to get the oxygen they need. You also increase your risk of developing serious eye infections.
Keep contact lenses away from water
Don’t expose your contact lenses to water. Storing your contact lenses in water, even distilled water, can expose them to bacteria, which may lead to an eye infection. You also shouldn’t swim while wearing your contact lenses and should remove them before you get into a hot tub.
Replace your contact lens case regularly
You should replace your contact lens case at least every three months. Your contact lens case must remain a sterile environment for your contact lenses. Use storage solution, not water, in your contact lens case, and don’t reuse old solution in the case. Also, always discard the solution and replace it with new solution every day.
Follow your prescription
Replace your lenses exactly as your eye doctor recommends. If you are wearing daily disposable contact lenses, these contact lenses are meant to be worn for only one day. Do not extend the use of your contact lenses past what your doctor recommends.
Remove lenses if your eyes feel irritated
If your eyes become uncomfortable, remove your contacts immediately. There are several reasons your eyes may get irritated while wearing contact lenses, including illness, dry eye, or getting something in your eye. For this reason, it is also important for people who primarily wear contact lenses during the day to have a pair of eyeglasses in case they need them for vision correction.
Keep your prescription up to date
It’s important to see an eye doctor for regular contact lens exams. During an eye exam, the optometrist will evaluate your eye health and vision so you can continue seeing clearly and comfortably with contact lenses. Wearing contact lenses that don’t fit properly can lead to discomfort and less-than-optimal vision.
Take care of your eyes with expert guidance
These contact lens safety tips will help you not only protect your eyes but also make the most of your contact lenses. If you need new contacts or want to check your prescription, our contact lens exams in Blue Island can help you find the perfect fit and lens type. Contact us today to make your appointment.
