Did you know that over 45 million Americans wear contact lenses to correct their vision? While contacts offer convenience and freedom, improper use can lead to severe complications, including eye infections, vision problems, and even long-term damage. Thankfully, with the proper care and safety practices, you can enjoy clear, comfortable vision worry-free.
At Allied Vision Services, we’re here to ensure you don’t just wear contacts—you wear them confidently, safely, and with the perfect fit for your lifestyle. Let’s discuss the best tips for keeping your eyes healthy and your lenses in top shape.
Contact Lens Safety Tips: Do’s and Don’ts
Maintaining proper hygiene and care when using contact lenses is crucial for avoiding complications. These tips can help ensure your eyes stay healthy: Maintaining proper hygiene and care when using contact lenses is crucial for avoiding complications. These tips can help ensure your eyes stay healthy:
Dos for Contact Lens Safety
1. Wash Your Hands Thoroughly
Always wash your hands with soap and water before handling your lenses. Dry them with a lint-free towel to prevent contamination.
2. Follow the Prescribed Schedule
Wear and replace your contact lenses as directed by your eye doctor. Overwearing or sleeping in lenses not meant for overnight use can increase the risk of eye infections and other complications.
3. Clean Lenses Properly
Use the recommended lens cleaning solution to disinfect your contacts. Avoid using water or saliva, as these can introduce harmful microorganisms.
4. Store Lenses Correctly
Keep your lenses in a clean, dry case with fresh solution. Replace the case every three months to reduce bacteria buildup.
5. Schedule Regular Eye Exams
Visit your optometrist annually or as recommended to ensure your contact lenses fit properly and your prescription is current.
Don’ts for Contact Lens Safety
1. Don’t Use Expired Solutions
Discard any expired cleaning or storage solutions, as they may no longer be effective at killing germs.
2. Don’t Wear Lenses While Swimming or Showering
Water, including tap water, can introduce harmful bacteria and microorganisms, increasing the risk of serious eye infections like Acanthamoeba keratitis. Tap water may contain impurities or organisms that are not safe for your eyes, even if it’s clean enough to drink.
3. Don’t Ignore Discomfort
If your eyes feel irritated, dry, or red, remove your lenses immediately and consult an eye care professional or your local eye doctor.
4. Don’t Sleep in Lenses
Unless specifically approved by your optometrist, avoid sleeping in your lenses, as it significantly increases the risk of infection.
Caring for Specialized Contact Lenses
Contact lenses have come a long way from their initial designs, with advancements now catering to various specific eye conditions. Patients with astigmatism, presbyopia, or keratoconus often require specialized contact lenses that correct their vision and address the unique challenges associated with their eye condition. Proper care and handling of these lenses are even more crucial to ensure eye health, comfort, and optimal performance.
1. Toric Lenses for Astigmatism
Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens inside the eye has an irregular shape, causing distorted or blurred vision. Unlike standard lenses, toric lenses must remain in a precise orientation on the eye to correct astigmatism.
Avoid rubbing the lens too aggressively during cleaning, as the delicate stabilizing features can be damaged. Additionally, it’s crucial to always check the lens orientation before inserting it to ensure proper alignment.
2. Multifocal and Bifocal Lenses for Presbyopia
Presbyopia is a natural part of aging that makes it difficult to focus on close objects. Multifocal and bifocal contact lenses address this by offering multiple corrective powers within a single lens.
It’s important to clean the lenses thoroughly, as residue buildup can interfere with the clarity of different zones.
3. Scleral Lenses for Keratoconus and Dry Eye
Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition where the cornea thins and bulges into a cone-like shape. The vault of scleral lenses creates a fluid-filled reservoir that improves vision and provides comfort and hydration for the cornea. This characteristic makes these lenses also ideal for chronic dry eye patients.
Scleral lenses should be cleaned and disinfected daily with solutions recommended by your optometrist. Avoid multipurpose solutions unless specifically advised. Use a plunger tool to insert and remove the lenses to prevent mishandling or damage. Inspecting the lenses regularly for scratches or deposits is crucial, as these can affect the lens seal and cause discomfort.
How Allied Vision Services Can Help
Our contact lens services aim to ensure comfort, clarity, and safety. Whether you’re new to contact lenses or require advanced solutions, our team is here to guide you.
Comprehensive Contact Lens Fitting
We start with a thorough eye exam to determine your prescription and assess the health of your eyes. Based on this, we recommend the best lens type, ensuring a perfect fit.
Wide Range of Lens Options
Whatever your needs, our extensive inventory and expert fittings ensure you’ll find the perfect lenses for your lifestyle and vision goals. From daily, bi-weekly, and monthly disposable lenses designed for convenience to toric lenses that provide precise correction, we offer solutions tailored to your needs.
Myopia Control with MiSight® Lenses
We proudly offer MiSight® 1 Day lenses, which are FDA-approved to slow myopia progression in children. These lenses are a game-changer for managing nearsightedness and preserving long-term eye health.
Education and Support
Every patient receives detailed instructions on how to care for their lenses. Our team can answer any questions or concerns, ensuring you feel confident in your contact lens journey.
Contact Lens Exams Across New Jersey
Healthy eyes start with expert care. Schedule an appointment at one of our three convenient locations in Plainsboro, Lawrenceville, or Flemington to find the perfect contact lenses for your needs. At Allied Vision Services, we’re committed to helping you see clearly and live comfortably.