Contact lens wearers should take certain steps to maintain their eye health and lens quality no matter which type of lens they wear: disposable, daily wear, extended wear or gas permeable. Proper care minimizes the risk of eye infection, makes them more comfortable to wear, and prolongs the usability of the lenses. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the single best way to avoid lens-related eye problems is to follow the care guidelines prescribed by your doctor.
Step 1
Wear the contacts for the prescribed amount of time. Depending on the lens type, you may be able to wear them from one to seven days without removing them. Avoid sleeping with your lenses in unless you have the extended wear type. Avoid getting the lenses wet: don't swim or splash in a hot tub with them in.
Step 2
Empty, rinse and dry your contact lens case and tray lids each day prior to putting the lenses in the case.
Step 3
Fill each lens tray with fresh sterile lens solution after washing and drying the case. Don't "top off" the solution in the trays, which can introduce germs into the solution or case. Never use water or any other liquid besides sterile lens solution to disinfect and store lenses.
Step 4
Wash your hand with a mild soap and dry them with lint-free paper towels before you remove the lenses from your eyes.
Step 5
Gently remove one lens from your eye, place in the palm of your hand and douse with sterile lens solution. Rub the lens between two fingers. Rinse the lens with solution and gently place into the lens case filled with fresh solution. Always rub and rinse the lenses, even if the solution claims to be a "no rub" variety.
Step 6
Replace your lens case with a new one every three months to reduce the risk of eye infection.
Tips and Warnings
- Remove your lenses right away and consult your eye care professional if you experience eye redness, discomfort, blurry vision or excessive tears. These symptoms can indicate an infection.
Things You'll Need
- Mild hand soap
- Lint-free paper towels
- Contact lenses
- Sterile lens solution
- Contact lens case
