Contacts offer many of us with less than perfect vision the ability to put away our glasses. But with this new found freedom, comes responsibility.

More than 40 percent of the 30 million Americans who wear contact lenses, do not properly care for their contacts. Before you say, “so what?” Poor hygiene and improper care can increase your risk of eye problems. Whether you’re an experienced contact wearer or just starting out, here are some do’s and don’ts to wearing, and cleaning your contact lenses.

Do:
Use dry, clean hands to handle your contacts.
Regularly clean and store your contact lenses as directed by your eye doctor.
Store lenses in a clean case.
Change your contacts as recommended.
Ask if you can sleep in your contacts.
Remove contacts before swimming.
Get regular eye exams.

Don’t:
Do not use homemade saline solution.
Do not use tap water to clean your contact lenses.
Don’t put your contact lenses in your mouth.
Do not share your contact lenses.
Do not reuse contact lens solution.

A word from Dr. Jackson:
Even when worn as directed, contact lenses can cause damage to the eye. Sometimes this is reversible, yet sometimes permanent vision loss can occur. Unfortunately, it is easy to purchase contact lenses online long after an eye health check is due. How much risk are you willing to assume by skipping annual check-ups because you found a source that will sell you contacts, anytime? Annual checks are worth it to minimize the risk of serious, sight-threatening eye health problems related to contact lens wear. Protect yourself by seeing your eye doctor once a year even if you think you are doing okay.

Properly caring for your contact lenses is essential to maintaining good eye health. If you have questions or concerns about contact lens care, make an appointment with a Premier Medical Optometrists.

Resources:
http://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/caring-for-your-vision/contact-lenses/dos-and-donts?sso=y
http://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/caring-for-your-vision/contact-lenses/dos-and-donts?sso=y