How to Care for Your Contact Lenses

Contact lenses can be a convenient and comfortable alternative to traditional eyeglasses, but proper care is essential to maintaining healthy eyes. Knowing how to clean and sanitize your contacts effectively and avoid common mistakes can keep your eyes healthy while wearing contacts. At Urban Optics, we’re here to help you feel empowered about your eye health.
 

Cleaning and Sanitizing Contact Lenses

Ensuring your contact lenses are clean and sanitary is fundamental to effective contact lens care. The process includes a daily cleaning routine and a more extensive maintenance routine typically performed weekly or monthly, depending on the type of lenses you use.
 

Daily Cleaning Routine

Begin by washing and drying your hands thoroughly. Then, place one lens in the palm of your hand and apply a few drops of the contact lens solution. The solution is a disinfectant that removes debris and microorganisms from the lens surface. Use the solution your eye care professional recommends, as not all solutions suit all lenses. Never use water instead of lens solution, which can lead to infections.

After applying the solution, gently rub the lens with your index finger to loosen any dirt or protein deposits. Then, rinse the lens with another solution to remove the loosened debris. This process, often called "rub and rinse," is an effective way to ensure your lenses are clean before putting them in your eyes. It's also vital to discard any leftover solution in your contact lens case and let it air dry.
 

Weekly and Monthly Maintenance

Even with daily cleaning, some proteins and lipids can build up over time on your lenses. Enzymatic cleaners break down these deposits, keeping your lenses clear and comfortable. These are typically used once a week for soft lenses and less frequently for rigid gas-permeable lenses. Always follow the instructions on the product packaging, and ask your eye care professional if you're unsure about anything.

Your contact lens case can also harbor germs if not regularly cleaned. Therefore, it's recommended to rinse your case with a contact lens solution and allow it to air dry daily. Replace your case at least every three months or sooner if it becomes cracked or damaged.
 

Avoiding Common Mistakes with Contact Lenses

Adopting certain habits can significantly improve your experience with contact lenses. Primarily, avoid contact between your lenses and water, including tap water, swimming pools, and showers. Water can contain microorganisms that attach to your lenses and cause eye infections. Always take out your lenses before entering the water.

Another common mistake is sleeping in contact lenses. While some contacts are designed for overnight wear, most are not, and sleeping in them can lead to infections or corneal ulcers.

Finally, don't overuse your lenses. Follow the recommended replacement schedule, whether daily, weekly, or monthly. Overworn lenses can cause discomfort, reduce vision quality, and increase the risk of eye problems.
 

Tips for Handling and Wearing Contact Lenses

Proper hygiene practices play a significant role in maintaining the health of your eyes. Here are a few tips for handling and wearing contact lenses:

• Always wash and dry your hands before touching your lenses or eyes.

• Don't use saliva or water to moisten lenses; this can introduce bacteria.

• Never touch the lens’s inner surface to keep it clean.
   

Additional Care Considerations

Environmental factors can affect your contact lenses. For example, avoid exposing your lenses to excessive heat, which can warp them, and never leave them exposed to the air. Instead, keep them in their case when not in use.

Traveling with contact lenses requires extra care. Always bring a spare pair of lenses, glasses, and enough solution for your trip.
 

Trust Urban Optics With Your Eye Health

Proper contact lens care involves regular cleaning and sanitizing, avoiding common pitfalls, practicing good hygiene and handling, and understanding how different environments affect your lenses.

Regular check-ups with an optometrist are necessary to ensure your eyes remain healthy while wearing contacts. They can assess your eye health, ensure your prescription is up-to-date, and provide personalized care advice.

Ready to schedule your next eye exam? Book an appointment with Urban Optics.