Contact lenses are a comfortable and convenient way to maintain your vision without having to deal with cumbersome eyeglasses. However, contacts have specific care requirements that you should follow closely to keep your lenses safe and wearable. To help you get the most out of your contacts, bear the following advice in mind.

Do:

Clean and store your lenses properly.

If you don’t wear single-use daily contacts, you'll need to clean and store your lenses every day. Different types of lenses have different sanitizing needs, but, in general, you'll want to hold each lens in the palm of your hand and gently rub it with cleaning solution. After rinsing both lenses with the solution, store them in a clean case with a lid.

Wash your hands before handling your contacts.

Only clean hands should come in contact with contact lenses. It’s remarkably easy to transfer tiny bits of dirt, dust, and other irritants from your fingertips to the lenses. Before putting in, removing, or cleaning contacts, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for a minimum of 20 seconds. Dry your hands with a clean, lint-free cloth.

Don't:

Rub your eyes aggressively.

When your contacts are in, try not to rub your eyes with too much force. Aggressive rubbing can dislodge the contact from the eye or cause it to rip. A few light and brief strokes against your eyes are usually not a problem, but be mindful of more intense movements.

Sleep with your contacts in.

If your contacts are not designed for sleep, don't wear them to bed. Your eyes naturally dry out during sleep, and you could wake up with very painful and irritated eyes. This is especially true after swimming in public pools, hot tubs, and other water sources that contain an abundance of bacteria; sleeping in contacts after swimming can trap bacteria in your eyes and encourage growth.

If you're considering contacts or are experiencing an issue with your lenses, visit the eye care professionals at Spencerport Optical in Spencerport, NY. They have more than three decades of experience serving patients’ optical needs. In addition to contact lenses, they provide eye exams and eyewear, including prescription glasses and sunglasses. Call (585) 352-1960 to schedule an appointment or visit their website to learn more about their services.