Making the switch to contact lenses can be both exciting and challenging.  While not having to wear eyeglasses may be a relief, you will need to learn how to take care of your new lenses to avoid infection and other complications. Below are three tips to help you get started.

A Guide to Contact Lens Maintenance

1. Handle Lenses With Clean Hands

Touching your lenses with dirty hands causes them to come in contact with bacteria and other debris. Perfumes and oils from your hands can also cause eye irritation. To avoid this, be sure to wash your hands with unscented soap before putting contacts in or taking them out. 

2. Use New Solution for Cleaning

Contact lenses need to be cleaned in a sterile solution for them to be properly disinfected. Putting them in old solution allows bacteria to fester. To combat this, optometrists recommend cleaning your lenses and their case with a sterile multipurpose solution. Tap water should never be used since it contains microorganisms that are harmful to the eyes.

3. Never Sleep in Contact Lenses

If you go to sleep wearing contact lenses, the decreased flow of oxygen to your eyes can cause a variety of unpleasant complications. Forgetting to take your lenses out overnight makes them dry and difficult to remove in the morning. In more severe cases, trapped bacteria can become infectious and lead to a torn cornea. To avoid permanent eye damage, be sure to remove your lenses even if you are planning to take a short nap. 

If you’re thinking about making the transition to contact lenses, the team at Alexander Eye Associates & Optical in Rochester, NY, can help. Their skilled optometrists administer comprehensive eye exams and provide assistance throughout your entire treatment plan. Visit their website for more information about their services, and call (585) 325-3070 to schedule an appointment today.