Imagine starting your day with crystal-clear vision, the world around you coming into focus as you slip in your lenses. But while contact lenses can enhance your daily life, they also require a little extra care to ensure your eyes stay healthy and your vision remains sharp.
Healthy Vision Month is a perfect time to focus on the importance of proper eye care, especially for contact lens wearers. In this article, we'll provide advice on how to care for your contact lenses and discuss the comprehensive services Family Eye Site offers to support your vision needs.
The Importance of Contact Lens Hygiene
Wearing contact lenses is a popular choice for vision correction, but it comes with the responsibility of maintaining good hygiene practices. Failing to properly care for your lenses can lead to severe eye infections and complications, which can sometimes result in long-term vision problems. Below, we outline essential tips for contact lens hygiene.
1. Wash Your Hands Before Handling Contact Lenses
Before handling your contact lenses, always wash your hands with soap and water. Make sure to rinse your hands well and dry them with a lint-free towel. This is a crucial step to prevent the transfer of dirt, bacteria, and other contaminants from your hands to your lenses.
2. Clean and Store Lenses Correctly
If you wear reusable lenses, it's important to clean and store them properly after each use. Use the lens cleaning solution recommended by your optometrist — never use tap water, saliva, or homemade solutions.
Rub and rinse your lenses with the solution to remove debris and bacteria before placing them in a clean lens case filled with fresh solution. Avoid topping off old solution in your lens case, as this can reduce its effectiveness and increase the risk of infection.
3. Replace Your Contact Lens Case Regularly
You should replace your contact lens case every three months to prevent bacterial buildup. Clean your case daily by rinsing it with fresh lens solution (not tap water), wiping it with a clean tissue, and leaving it open to air dry.
4. Follow the Recommended Lens Wear Schedule
It's important to follow the wear schedule prescribed by your eye doctor. Whether you use daily, bi-weekly, or monthly lenses, sticking to the recommended replacement schedule helps minimize the risk of complications. Overwearing your lenses can lead to protein buildup, reduced oxygen flow to your cornea, and an increased chance of eye infections.
5. Avoid Sleeping in Your Contact Lenses
Unless your lenses are for overnight wear, avoid sleeping in them. Wearing lenses while you sleep can reduce oxygen supply to your eyes, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and increasing the risk of eye infections.
6. Keep Your Eyes Hydrated
Dry eyes are a common issue for contact lens wearers, especially in environments with low humidity or during extended screen time. To keep your eyes hydrated, consider using lubricating eye drops that are compatible with contact lenses.
7. Be Mindful of Makeup and Other Products
When applying makeup, insert your contact lenses before applying cosmetics to avoid getting makeup on your lenses. Use oil-free and hypoallergenic makeup products to reduce the risk of irritation. At the end of the day, remove your lenses before taking off your makeup to prevent contamination.
8. Schedule Regular Eye Exams
Even if your vision seems fine, routine eye exams are essential for monitoring your eye health and ensuring your contact lenses are still the best option for your needs.
During a comprehensive eye exam, your eye doctor will check for any signs of complications related to contact lens wear and make the necessary adjustments.
Family Eye Site’s Contact Lens Services
Every patient is unique, and finding the right contact lenses involves more than just determining your prescription. Our contact lens services in Madisonville aim to provide you with a personalized experience, ensuring your lenses fit comfortably, provide clear vision, and suit your lifestyle.
Personalized Contact Lens Fittings
Our optometrists take the time to perform detailed measurements of your eyes to determine the best contact lens fit. This process includes assessing the curvature of your cornea, the size of your pupil and iris, and your overall eye health.
Ongoing Support and Care for Contact Lenses
Family Eye Site’s care doesn’t stop after you receive your contact lenses. We’re committed to providing ongoing support to ensure your lenses continue to meet your vision needs. We also offer guidance on proper lens care and maintenance, helping you prevent complications and enjoy long-term comfort.
Convenient Contact Lens Ordering
To make it easy for you to maintain your supply of contact lenses, we offer ordering and reordering options. Whether you prefer to visit our office or order online, we ensure you have access to the lenses you need when you need them.
Schedule a Contact Lens Exam in Madisonville, KY
Proper contact lens care is essential for maintaining healthy eyes and clear vision. Family Eye Site is here to support you with personalized contact lens services, ensuring your lenses are comfortable, effective, and tailored to your lifestyle.
During Healthy Vision Month, take the opportunity to prioritize your eye care — schedule a comprehensive eye exam with us, and let’s work together to protect your vision.