If your eye doctor recently provided you with a prescription for contact lenses, you’re likely excited to put them in and enjoy your improved vision. However, if you don’t know how to take care of the lenses, you might find yourself struggling with discomfort and eye health problems. To keep your eyes healthy and comfortable, follow the three tips below. 

Always Wash Your Hands First

Before you handle contact lenses, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and clean water. Never touch your eyes or lenses when your hands are dirty, as this simple action could introduce abrasive dirt and dangerous bacteria to the surface of your eye. When you are finished washing your hands, dry them on a clean, lint-free towel to prevent contaminating your lenses with dust or debris.

Only Use Contact Solution to Clean the Lenses

When it comes to cleaning and storing your lenses, you should only use contact solution. Other liquids like water don’t contain the natural lubricants and disinfectants that contact solution does, which can lead to dried-out or uncomfortable lenses. Never use saliva to clean or moisten the lenses, as your saliva contains digestive compounds that can damage the surface of your eye. To prevent problems, always keep an extra bottle of contact solution at home and in your car.  

Don’t Sleep in Your Contacts

Unless you have extended-wear lenses, you should never sleep in your contacts. Wearing normal lenses overnight could deprive your eyes of the oxygen they need, which can cause issues like hypoxia of the eye and an overgrowth of internal blood vessels.

Do you have questions about taking care of your contact lenses? If so, the professionals at Staarmann Family Vision Center in Fairfield, OH, are happy to help. They offer complete eye exams, and they will do everything they can to find the right eye care solution for your lifestyle and budget. In addition to accepting a wide variety of insurance plans, this patient-centered practice also helps with refractive eye surgery, vision therapy, and emergency eye services. To schedule an appointment, send them a message online or call (513) 874-1718.