From skipping cleanings to reusing old products, there are several factors that can compromise the quality of your contact lenses. Using dirty lenses could compromise your ocular health, which is why it’s important to stick with a good care routine. Below is a brief guide to what you should, and shouldn’t, do to keep contact lenses clean and prevent potential concerns.  

Do:

Take contacts out before going to bed. 

Even if you have extended-wear contacts, it’s still a good idea to take them out at night before going to bed. Otherwise, the lenses will block oxygen flow to corneas. This could cause new blood vessels to grow in corneas, which could cause inflammation, red eye, and more serious health problems. To prevent bacteria from getting on contacts, make sure to rinse and disinfect them after each use with fresh cleaning solution. 

Wash hands before touching contacts.

Oils and dirt could be transferred to eyes when taking out and putting in contact lenses. To avoid potential concerns, remember to give your hands a good scrub with soap and water before touching the contacts. Dry hands with a lint-free towel to keep microscopic residue from landing on contact surfaces. 

Don't:

Use contact lenses past their expiration date.

If you wear disposable contacts, never try to extend the life of the lenses. The products aren’t meant to be reused, and protein could build up on the lenses, restricting oxygen flow to the eyes. Bacteria could also form on contacts and transfer to the eye with multiple wearings.   

Use cleaners other than solutions made for contact lenses. 

Although you might use tap water to wash hands or take showers, the liquid should never be used to clean contact lenses. Water from the faucet could contain bacteria or traces of heavy metals that could irritate eyes or cause vision loss. To prevent serious health problems, only use contact cleaning solutions recommended by your optometrist.  

If you have experienced eye irritation from contact lenses or need a new prescription, the team at Eyewear Express in Rhinelander, WI, will provide thorough examinations and treatments to strengthen your vision and improve your quality of life. To schedule an eye doctor appointment in Oneida County, call (715) 365-1515. A friendly representative is happy to fill you in on what to expect during the eye exam. Visit the practice online to learn more about the types of contact lenses available.