If you wear contact lenses, it is important to keep your eyes healthy by properly caring for your contacts. Proper care can protect you against serious eye infections and other illnesses.
To safely wear contacts and keep your eyes protected, here are some tips for you:
- Take out your contacts before bed: You may be up to eight times more likely to develop an eye infection if you sleep with your contacts in.
- Wash your hands: Before touching your contacts, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry your hands thoroughly as well.
- Make sure your contacts do not touch water: If contacts are wet, the water can get germs in your eyes. Do not shower or swim in any body of water with your contacts in.
- Properly clean your lenses: Rub and rinse your contact lenses with contact lens disinfecting solution. Use only the contact lens solution your eye care provider recommends.
- Take care of your contact lens case: Regularly keep the case clean by rubbing and rinsing it with contact lens solution. Then empty the case and dry it with a clean tissue. Never use water to clean the case. Store the case upside down with the caps off. At least once every three months, replace the case.
It may also be helpful to keep a backup pair of prescription glasses on hand if you need to take out your contacts or if you misplace them.
The Bottom Line
Around 45 million Americans wear contacts. Contact lenses can provide a safe and effective way to correct your vision when cared for properly.
If you practice healthy habits to care for your contacts, your eyes are more likely to be healthier and you are less likely to get an eye infection.
Schedule your appointment today for a contact lens consult by calling UofL Health – Eye Institute at 502-588-0550.
