Caring for contact lenses isn’t difficult. That being said, it’s a good idea to ask your optometrist questions when you first get them to help you adjust to the change. If you’ve never had contacts before, knowing how to care for them is essential. Here are some steps you should take to keep them in shape, as well as a few don’ts.

The Dos & Don’ts of Contact Lens Maintenance

Do

• Keep Your Hands Clean: Before touching a lens, especially one you’re just about to place in your eye, make sure your hands are clean. Wash them thoroughly, and dry them.
• Clean & Store Them Properly: Ask your eye doctor to demonstrate how to clean your lenses and how often you should. Different lenses require different cleaning schedules. Some can even be thrown out after one day of use. However, if you use the kind that lasts for several weeks, store them overnight in the proper case, and replace the case every three months.
• Remove Them in Certain Situations: You should always remove your lenses before going to sleep, even for a brief nap. Make sure you take them out before entering a pool, a hot tub, the ocean, or a similar environment.

Don’t

• Reuse Solution: Don’t try to save money by reusing old solution to store your contacts in. Always fill up the case with fresh product before placing them inside.
• Use Tap Water to Clean Them: Some people use tap water to clean their lenses when they don’t have any solution on hand. Don’t do this. Tap water may be filled with contaminants that can irritate or even harm your eyes.
• Share Lenses: Never share lenses with someone else who has the same or a similar prescription, as this is a major way to share bacteria.

Again, taking care of your lenses is easy. Just coordinate with your optometrist, and you’ll have no trouble at all. Are you thinking about making the switch to contact lenses? If so, get in touch with Allens Creek Family Optometry in Rochester, NY. They combine an expert approach to care with the latest technology to ensure you get the eye care you deserve. Contact them online for more information, or call (585) 461-6225.