Contact lenses are a popular alternative to glasses for vision correction. They provide numerous benefits, such as unobstructed peripheral vision, no fogging, and they're great for most sports and outdoor activities. However, they require proper care to maintain eye health and enjoy clear, comfortable vision. In this post, we'll share some best practices for contact lens care from your local Edmonton optometrists in Kingsway Mall, Stonewire Optometry. 

Understanding the Basics

Contact lenses sit directly on your eye, so how you handle and clean them impacts the lenses and your eye health. Improper care can lead to eye infections, corneal ulcers, and even loss of sight in severe cases. So, let's explore the critical steps in contact lens care.

Always Wash Your Hands

Before handling your contact lenses, wash your hands thoroughly using mild soap and water. Dry your hands with a clean, lint-free towel. This practice prevents the transmission of dirt and germs from your hands to your lenses.

Always Use The Recommended Cleaning Solutions

Always use the lens cleaning solution recommended by your optometrist. Avoid using water, saliva, or homemade solutions to clean your lenses. Tap water and saliva carry microorganisms that can cause severe eye infections.

It's also important to avoid switching contact lens solutions regularly and only buying what's on sale. Routinely switching between products can cause some people to develop a sensitivity reaction and increase dry eye symptoms. So stick with the one product, and stock up when it's on sale. 

When you use your solution, squirt it into each side of the lens case to fill them. Before putting your contact lenses in the solution, add some solution to the palm of your hand and gently rub the lens to dislodge any debris or deposits. After rubbing, rinse the lens again before placing it in your lens case. This routine should be followed every time you remove your lenses.

Expert Tip: Only rub and clean your lenses at night. Cleaning them in the morning after soaking them in the contact lens solution all night can cause them to dry out more quickly. 

Replace Your Lenses and Case Regularly

Stick to the replacement schedule prescribed by your optometrist for your lenses. Overusing lenses can lead to discomfort and increase the risk of eye infections.

Similarly, replace your lens case at least every three months. Contact lens cases can harbour bacteria over time, even if you clean them regularly.

Don't Sleep In Your Contact Lenses

Unless your optometrist has specifically prescribed contact lenses designed for overnight wear, you need to remove your lenses before going to bed or having a nap. Wearing contact lenses while sleeping deprives your eye's cornea of oxygen, increasing the risk of an eye infection.

Follow Your Eye Doctor's Instructions

Your optometrist may provide additional instructions based on your specific type of lenses and personal eye health. Always follow these instructions carefully. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to ask your eye doctor.

Additional Tips

Edmonton's dry winter weather can cause discomfort for contact lens wearers. Using lubricating eye drops compatible with contact lenses can help alleviate dryness. Remember to consult your optometrist before using any eye drops. 

The spring and summer pollen seasons can also pose challenges. Pollen can stick to your lenses, causing increased allergy symptoms. Daily disposable lenses may be a good option during this season, as you start each day with a fresh, pollen-free pair.

Conclusion

Proper contact lens care is crucial to preserving your vision and eye health. By following the recommended cleaning and handling procedures, you can ensure the safety and comfort of your lens-wearing experience. Remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your eye health.

Our team of experienced optometrists in Edmonton is always ready to answer any questions regarding contact lens care. Schedule your eye exam today, and enjoy the clear, comfortable vision that well-cared-for contact lenses can provide. You book your appointment online or call us directly at 780-628-6886.