An important part of wearing contact lenses is sticking to healthy habits and maintaining a routine. Because they touch your eye, there’s a greater potential of eye care issues compared with glasses. To truly get the best service, you need to follow recommended guidelines for safe and effective use.

Do:

Wash your hands.

The number one rule of contact lenses is to wash your hands before touching them. Your fingers are covered in bacteria and microscopic debris that you’ll transfer when you touch your contacts. They can then be introduced to your eye, leading to everything from irritation and infections to corneal abrasions. Wash your hands carefully, and avoid tap water or heavy soaps that may leave residue on your fingers.

Store them in the case.

The cases provided by your eye doctor are the only safe place to store your contact lenses. They’ll protect them from debris and prevent warping and tearing. Make sure to clean them regularly and fill them with recommended cleaning solutions. It’s wise to have extras you care store at work and carry in your bag so you’re always covered.

Don’t:

Sleep with them in.

Your eyes can dry out while you’re sleeping, and you contact lenses may inhibit oxygen flow to your eye. This can lead to irritation or the contact lens getting stuck. It’s wise to always remove them—even if the manufacturer says it’s safe to leave them in overnight.

Wear them past the expiration date.

Whether you use daily, weekly, or long-term contact lenses, never wear them past the expiration date. They can lead to bacterial buildup inside your eye or cut the surface. It’s helpful to schedule automatic refills with your eye doctor so you always have a fresh pair available when the current ones expire.

Whether you’re looking to try contact lenses or are just overdue for an eye exam, The Whitefish Eye Center in Whitefish, MT, can fulfill all your eye care needs. Serving the area for over 40 years, they provide comprehensive eye care services, including treating eye diseases and infections. They carry a wide selection of corrective products to explore and provide a lifetime lens warranty. Explore their practice further online and call (406) 862-2020 to schedule an exam.