Contact Lens Care and Hygiene Tips
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Wearing contact lenses offers many advantages, from clear vision without the need for glasses to the freedom to engage in various activities without hindrance. However, proper contact lens care and hygiene are essential to prevent eye infections and ensure long-lasting comfort. Here are some comprehensive tips to help you maintain healthy eyes and safe contact lens use.
Why Contact Lens Care is Important
Proper care and hygiene are crucial because:
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Prevents Infections: Poor hygiene can lead to eye infections such as bacterial keratitis.
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Ensures Comfort: Clean lenses provide better comfort and reduce the risk of irritation.
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Extends Lens Life: Proper care can help extend the life of your lenses, saving you money and hassle.
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Essential Contact Lens Care Tips
1. Wash Your Hands Thoroughly
Always wash your hands with soap and water before handling your contact lenses. Dry your hands with a lint-free towel to avoid transferring dirt, germs, or oils to your lenses.
2. Use Fresh Solution
Use fresh, multipurpose contact lens solution every time you store your lenses. Never reuse old solution, as it can harbor bacteria and debris.
3. Clean and Disinfect Your Lenses
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Daily Cleaning: Rub and rinse your lenses with solution before storing them. Even "no-rub" solutions benefit from a gentle rub.
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Disinfection: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper disinfection, whether using a hydrogen peroxide system or multipurpose solution.
4. Properly Store Your Lenses
Store your lenses in a clean, dry case with fresh solution. Replace your lens case every three months to prevent bacterial contamination.
5. Follow Replacement Schedules
Adhere to the replacement schedule prescribed by your eye care provider. Whether you use daily, bi-weekly, or monthly lenses, replacing them on time is crucial to maintaining eye health.
Hygiene Tips for Contact Lens Wearers
1. Avoid Water
Do not expose your lenses to water from any source, including tap water, swimming pools, or hot tubs. Water can introduce harmful microorganisms that may lead to serious eye infections.
2. Do Not Sleep in Your Lenses
Unless specifically designed for overnight wear, remove your lenses before going to bed. Sleeping in lenses increases the risk of infection and oxygen deprivation to the cornea.
3. Avoid Contact with Saliva
Never use saliva to clean or moisten your lenses. Saliva is not sterile and can introduce harmful bacteria to your eyes.
4. Be Cautious with Makeup
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Apply Before: Put your lenses in before applying makeup to avoid getting makeup particles on the lenses.
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Remove After: Take your lenses out before removing makeup to prevent transferring oils and makeup residue to the lenses.
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Use Hypoallergenic Products: Opt for hypoallergenic, oil-free makeup to reduce the risk of irritation.
5. Avoid Sharing Lenses
Never share your contact lenses with others. Sharing lenses can spread bacteria and other pathogens, leading to eye infections.
Additional Tips for Healthy Contact Lens Use
1. Regular Eye Exams
Schedule regular eye exams with your eye care provider to ensure your prescription is up-to-date and to monitor your eye health. Inform your doctor of any discomfort or changes in your vision.
2. Be Aware of Symptoms
Be alert to any signs of eye discomfort, redness, excessive tearing, or blurred vision. If you experience any of these symptoms, remove your lenses and consult your eye care provider immediately.
3. Follow Your Eye Care Provider’s Advice
Always follow the recommendations and guidelines provided by your eye care professional. They can offer personalized advice based on your specific needs and eye health.
4. Keep Backup Glasses
Always have a pair of backup glasses in case you need to remove your contact lenses. This ensures you can still see clearly without compromising your eye health.
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Maintaining proper contact lens care and hygiene is essential for healthy eyes and comfortable lens wear. By following these tips and staying vigilant about your eye health, you can enjoy the benefits of contact lenses while minimizing the risk of infections and complications.
For more personalized advice and to schedule an eye exam, contact your local eye care professional today.
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For more information on eye health and to schedule an eye exam at Hillside Optometry in Granada Hills, call us at 818-474-2020,
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