Caring for Your Contacts: What Wearers Should Know

Contacts have come a long way since they came into regular use in the 1970's. There were few choices then but there are a myriad of choices now. The best lens for you will depend on your eye health, shape and vision. Most people have a choice of several different kinds of lenses to wear. These choices may be based on convenience and price as well. When prescribed properly, worn according to directions and taken care of appropriately, they will provide you with great vision and give you the glasses-free look you may desire.

If you are interested in getting contact lenses, see a qualified professional to get fitted for your contacts. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who has furthered his/her education after medical school specializing in ophthalmology. 

Here are some rules of thumb of contact lens wearers:

1. Handle with Care and Clean
Handle your lenses with care. Contact lenses are an investment and are also delicate. Make sure your hands are clean and lint-free before inserting or removing lenses. Clean your lenses according to what your doctor tells you. Follow the appropriate cleaning instructions and use quality solutions. Do not touch the tip of your eye care solution bottle. This can contaminate the whole solution. Keep the bottle closed after using it. The solution is in direct contact with your eye sand it should be sterile.
 
2. Beware of Eye Irritants 
There are always things that can fly into your eye or that are present in the air in some places that can irritate your eyes. Allergy sufferers will find their eyes often irritated or itchy when in the presence of allergens. Be careful not to rub your eyes with contacts in them. If your eye is irritated, it may be something on the lens itself so remove the lens first whenever possible. Be especially careful during allergy season. For this reason and in general always keep an extra pair of lenses or a pair of glasses with you at all times  so if something happens to one or both of your lenses you always need to have the ability to see perfectly, especially if you drive.

3. Don't Share Contacts
Never wear someone else's contacts. If they have been in someone else's eyes, they can carry bacteria and other particles that can spread disease or cause harm to your eye. Even if they are fresh out of the box, contact lenses are prescribed uniquely to your eyes and even the slightest variation may mean you cannot see your best out of them. Also, never try on over-the-counter decorative lenses, no matter how tempting it may be to see how you look in them unless they are being dispensed in the office of a licensed eye care professional.

4. Keep Your Prescription Current
Get your eyes examined every year. Prescriptions change. Don't assume your eyes are the same and order more even though you may be able to. You wouldn't want to spend all that money on new lenses and then be stuck with lenses can't see your best out of. Also, don't ignore symptoms and problems. If your lenses are bothering you or are uncomfortable, you can't see well, or your eyes are tearing, red, itchy, or burning, please call your doctor.