If you wear contact lenses, you know how convenient and comfortable they can be for clear vision. However, with that convenience comes responsibility. Taking good care of your contacts is key to keeping your eyes healthy and avoiding any discomfort or complications.
At Mad River Eye Care in Waitsfield, Vermont, Dr. Mitchell and our experienced team can help with everything from choosing the right contact lenses for your eyes to making sure you know how to care for them properly. In this blog post, we’re sharing some tips for contact lens safety and care and why it’s important to have regular contact lens exams.
Why contact lens safety is important
Proper care for contact lenses is critical since they sit directly on your eyes. If your lenses aren’t cleaned or stored properly, they can collect bacteria, leading to infections or more serious problems. Fortunately, with the right habits, you can keep your eyes healthy and avoid any issues.
Safety tips for wearing contact lenses
Here are some contact lens safety tips to ensure that your eyes remain healthy in the long term:
1. Clean your lenses properly
Always use the recommended solution to clean and disinfect your lenses. Never use tap water or saliva, as these can introduce harmful bacteria. If you wear reusable lenses, clean them thoroughly after each use and replace your storage case every one to three months.
2. Follow the replacement schedule
Wearing contact lenses longer than recommended can lead to issues like dry eyes or infections. Stick to the replacement schedule provided by your eye care professional, whether you have daily, bi-weekly, or monthly lenses.
3. Take contacts out before bed
Sleeping in your contact lenses (unless they’re designed for overnight wear) can block oxygen from reaching your cornea, leading to irritation or infection. Always remove your lenses before going to bed unless directed otherwise by your optometrist.
4. Wash your hands before handling contacts
Before touching your lenses, make sure to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This helps prevent any germs from getting onto your lenses and into your eyes.
5. Avoid wearing contact lenses in water
Swimming, showering, or using a hot tub with your lenses in can increase your risk of infection. Always remove your lenses before getting in the water.
Don’t forget to schedule regular check-ups!
Even if your contacts feel fine, it’s a good idea to have regular contact lens exams. A contact lens exam is different than a regular eye exam. While a comprehensive eye exam checks your vision and overall eye health, a contact lens exam goes a step further to determine the best type of lenses for you. For experienced contact lens wearers, these appointments help us make sure your lenses are still a good fit and your eyes are healthy. We recommend scheduling an annual exam to stay on top of any changes and keep your eyes in the best condition.
At Mad River Eye Care, we take the time to measure your corneal curvature and assess your eye health to ensure a comfortable, secure-fitting contact lens. During your contact lens exam in Waitsfield, we’ll discuss your lifestyle, visual needs, and any history of eye problems. Whether you need daily disposables, multifocal lenses for presbyopia, or toric lenses for astigmatism, we’ll make sure you’re comfortable with your options.
In conclusion, contact lenses are a great option for clear vision, but taking care of them is essential. By following these safety tips and coming in for regular exams at Mad River Eye Care, you can keep your eyes comfortable and healthy. If it’s time for your next contact lens exam or you’re ready to give contact lenses a try, give us a call or schedule an appointment online!
