Love Your Lenses: Contact Lens Care Tips

February, the month of love, is the perfect time to show some affection to your contact lenses. Proper lens care and upkeep are essential to keeping your eyes healthy and your vision clear. Whether you’re a seasoned wearer or new to contact lenses, these tips will help ensure you get the most out of your lenses.

Daily Contact Lens Care Routine

A consistent care routine is crucial for maintaining the health and comfort of your contact lenses. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Wash your hands: Always start by washing your hands with soap and water. Dry them with a lint-free towel to avoid transferring dirt and bacteria to your lenses.
2. Clean your lenses: Use a contact lens solution to clean your lenses. Avoid using water or saliva, as they can introduce harmful microorganisms. Rub your lenses gently in the solution to remove debris and deposits.
3. Rinse and store: After cleaning, rinse your lenses with the solution and store them in a clean contact lens case filled with fresh solution. Ensure the case is also cleaned and replaced every three months.
4. Follow the schedule: Stick to the prescribed wearing and replacement schedule for your lenses. Over-wearing lenses can lead to discomfort and infections.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Sleeping in lenses: Many doctors feel that one of the worst things you can ever do to your eyes is wear your contact lenses while you sleep. Unless specifically designed for overnight wear, sleeping in contact lenses can restrict oxygen to your eyes, leading to infections and discomfort.
2. Reusing solution: Always use fresh solution when cleaning and storing your lenses. Reusing or topping off old solution can reduce its effectiveness and increase the risk of contamination.
3. Ignoring symptoms: Redness, irritation, or blurred vision should not be ignored. These symptoms could indicate an eye infection or other issues. Remove your lenses and consult your eye care professional if you experience any discomfort.
4. Skipping follow-up appointments: Regular check-ups with our eye care team are essential for monitoring your eye health and ensuring your lenses fit correctly and comfortably.

Tips for New Contact Lens Wearers

If you’re new to contact lenses, it might take some time to adjust. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Practice patience: Putting in and taking out contact lenses can be tricky at first. In fact, even experienced lens-wearers will have an occasional day when the lenses just won’t go in or come out right. Practice in a calm environment and don’t rush the process.
2. Follow instructions: Carefully follow the instructions provided by our eye care team. This includes how to insert, remove, clean, and store your lenses.
3. Start slowly: Begin by wearing your lenses for a few hours each day and gradually increase the time as your eyes adjust. Avoid wearing them for extended periods initially.
4. Keep backup glasses: Always have a pair of glasses as a backup. This ensures you can remove your lenses if they become uncomfortable or if you need a break.

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Lenses

Knowing when to replace your contact lenses is essential for maintaining eye health and comfort. Truth be told, you should not feel your contact lenses in your eyes. If you do, you need to address whatever is causing you to feel them, even if they are not old.

Signs your contact lenses need to be replaced include discomfort, irritation, and blurry vision. You should also inspect your lenses regularly. If you notice any tears, scratches, or discoloration, replace them immediately to avoid eye injury or infection.

By showing your eyes some love and following these tips, you can ensure your contact lenses remain comfortable and safe. Our Better Vision New Jersey team is happy to answer any additional questions– simply call and schedule a comprehensive appointment with us today at (908) 276-3030!