Wearing contact lenses to correct your vision can create more lifestyle flexibility and update your appearance. Once you switch to contacts and learn how to care for them, you may wonder why you wore glasses so long. Consider following a few best practices to ensure lenses perform optimally and last a long time.

How to Care for Your Contact Lenses

Proper Lens Handling

Wearing contacts can increase the risk of eye infection and irritation, so it’s important to practice proper lens handling. Always wash your hands before touching lenses, and use fingertips to handle them, not fingernails. Avoid the use of oily cosmetics, creams, and make-up, as oils transferred to the lenses may interfere with their functionality.

Follow a Proper Lens Care Routine

All lenses except disposables will need to be cleaned properly in the following way:

• Clean & rinse: Follow your eye doctor’s instructions for cleaning and rinsing the type of lens you have. Use fresh, non-expired contact lens cleaning liquid, and rinse with a saline solution, not tap water. Clean one lens at a time.
• Disinfect: Follow cleaning and rinsing with an eye doctor-approved disinfecting solution. Store contact lenses in a proper container.
• Clean the lens case: Once you’ve put your lenses in for the day, rinse out and clean the lens case and leave to air dry. Don’t reuse or top-up solution.

Follow Your Replacement Schedule

Contact lenses are usually designed to be worn for a specific time period. Daily disposables are discarded after each use, while frequent or planned replacement lenses need to be discarded after the recommended wearing time. To keep your eyes healthy and comfortable, don’t wear your contact lenses longer than directed by your doctor.

Contact lenses can be a comfortable and effective vision correction solution if they are taken care of properly. Colorado River Eye Care in Bullhead City, AZ, offers a full spectrum of eye care, including contact lenses, eyeglasses, and eye exams. They have a large fashion frame selection and on-site optometrists to help you keep your eyes healthy while looking your best. Call 928-758-2020 to make an appointment, or visit their website for a list of services.