Contact lenses offer clear, convenient vision without the need for glasses. However, they require specific care to ensure long-lasting comfort and eye health. To help you keep your lenses safe and your eyes healthy, we've outlined the best practices for contact lens hygiene and choosing the best lens type for your lifestyle.
You can contact Advantage Vision Center in Charlotte to schedule a contact lens fitting or consultation Our team will guide you through the process so you can enjoy clear vision every day.
Top Tips for Contact Lens Care
Maintaining good hygiene is crucial for safe contact lens wear. Following these steps can prevent infections, protect your eye health and help you get maximum wear out of your contacts:
- Wash Your Hands: Firstly, you always need to wash your hands with soap and water before handling your lenses. Make sure you also dry them thoroughly with a lint-free towel. This prevents the transfer of dirt or bacteria to your eyes.
- Clean Your Lenses Daily: For monthly or bi-weekly lenses, use a recommended contact lens solution to clean and store them. Start by gently rubbing the lenses with solution in the palm of your hand to remove protein buildup, then rinse thoroughly.
- Use Fresh Solution Daily: Never reuse old solution. Using fresh solution daily reduces the risk of bacterial contamination.
- Replace Your Contact Lens Case Regularly: Bacteria accumulates in lens cases over time. By replacing your case every 3 months, you can maintain good hygiene. Be sure to also clean it regularly with fresh solution.
- Avoid Water Contact: Never rinse your lenses with tap water or wear them while swimming or showering. It may seem harmless, but water contains microbes that can lead to severe eye infections.
How to Minimize Contact Lens Discomfort
Even with proper hygiene, some contact lens wearers report discomfort. Here are a few ways to help reduce irritation and ensure a comfortable fit:
- Choose the Right Fit: A contact lens fitting is important to ensure a great fit. Ill-fitting lenses can cause discomfort, blurry vision, and may even damage the eye’s surface over time.
- Take Breaks: Give your eyes a break by removing your contacts as recommended by your eye doctor. Extended wear can lead to dryness, irritation, and make you susceptible to infections.
- Use Rewetting Drops: If you have dry eyes, asking your optometrist about using lubricating eye drops made specifically for contacts can be beneficial. Regular eye drops may contain preservatives that can affect your lenses, which is why they should be avoided.
- Follow the Replacement Schedule: Wearing lenses beyond their intended use increases the risk of protein buildup, dryness, and infection.
Contact Lens Types: Daily vs. Monthly Lenses
Choosing the right type of contact lens is just as essential as being knowledgeable about hygiene and comfort.
Here’s a breakdown of the two most popular options:
- Daily Contact Lenses: Designed for single-use, these lenses are convenient and low-maintenance. Since they're replaced daily, this reduces the risk of protein buildup and contamination, which is good for comfort and eye health. We recommend daily disposables for patients with sensitive eyes or busy schedules.
- Monthly Contact Lenses: These lenses are made from durable materials that allow for extended wear. They require consistent cleaning and storage nightly in fresh solution, making them ideal for people who value sustainability. They're also more cost-effective and come in various specialized designs, such as lenses for astigmatism or multifocals.
Our optometrists can help determine which lens type suits your lifestyle, budget, and eye health best.
When to Consult an Eye Doctor
If you experience persistent discomfort, redness, or changes in vision while wearing contacts, you should consult one of our eye doctors promptly. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to serious complications, including infections and corneal damage.
Request A Contact Lens Exam and Fitting in Charlotte
If you need help finding the right contact lenses or have questions about your eye health, book an appointment with Advantage Vision Center for a personalized contact lens fitting and guidance on proper contact lens care.