Contact Lens Care
Contact lenses are a trusted and effective solution for a wide range of refractive errors, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. In addition, contact lenses offer a number of conveniences that set them apart from traditional eyeglasses. While many individuals prefer the benefits of contact lenses, some worry about their upkeep.
Contact lenses are easy to care for. Doctors from Monterey County Eye Associates, which serves Monterey, CA, Salinas, and King City, offer contact lens care tips that help make it easy to maintain these prescription lenses.
Keep Your Contact Lenses Clean
Contact lenses sit directly against the eye, so it is essential that they are cleaned and disinfected prior to each use. Dirty contact lenses can lead to unclear vision, eye irritation, or infection. It is important that people follow cleaning instructions that are specific for their type of contact lens, which includes using a cleaning and disinfecting solution that is recommended by their doctor. These general cleaning tips apply to most contact lenses:
- Wash and dry your hands before handling contact lenses (dry hands with a lint-free towel)
- Place the contact lens in the palm of your hand and rinse it with a cleaning solution, gently rubbing it with your index finger to remove buildup
- Never rinse, clean, or store a contact lens with tap water or homemade saline solution
Storing Contact Lenses
When they are not being worn contact lenses should be stored in a contact lens case. Contact lenses should be placed in a clean and dry case. Once contact lenses are in their storage case they should be covered with a disinfecting solution. It is important to follow storage instructions that are specific to your type of contact lens, but lenses can generally sit in a disinfecting solution for around eight hours, or overnight.
After each use the contact lens storage case should be cleaned with a contact lens cleaning solution and left open to dry. Contact lens cases should be replaced every three months.
Wear Contact Lenses as Directed
Contact lenses should not be worn longer than directed. Most daily wear contact lenses can be safely and comfortably worn for 14 to 16 hours per day. Unless they are extended wear contact lenses, contacts should not be worn while sleeping. Contact lenses should also be removed before taking a shower, swimming, going in a jacuzzi, or any other activity that could get water in the eyes.
Schedule Regular Eye Exams
Regular eye exams are essential to the continued success of contact lenses. Individuals with vision impairment should schedule a routine eye exam at least once a year to check if their vision prescription has changed. Additional eye exams should be scheduled if eye irritation develops or if there are any sudden changes in vision.
Contact Monterey County Eye Associates
Contact lenses are a comfortable, discreet, and convenient solution for vision impairment. If you would like more information about contact lenses or their proper care, the doctors at Monterey County Eye Associates can answer any questions you may have. To get in touch, contact our practice online, or call (831) 372-1500.
