Contact Lens Care

Many contact users either grow complacent or don’t care about proper care for their lenses. This can lead to a host of issues from wasting money to causing eye issues. Here’s some helpful info on how to avoid these issues with your contact lenses:

Why can’t water be used for rinsing contact lenses?

Tap water contains chlorine, minerals and metal particles, which can damage both the lenses and the eye. Among other things, water contains organisms which can lead to serious infections of the eye through microbial contamination. Talk to your eye doctor about what you can use to clean your lenses.

The Right Cleaning Solutions for You.

Here are a few characteristics you need to look for when choosing a solution:

1. Lubricate contact lenses and dry, irritated eyes.
2. Enhanced lens movement for comfortable lens wear
3. Formulated for sensitive eyes as it does not contain thimerosal or chlorhexidine, preservatives to which some people are sensitive
4. Suitable for all types of contact lenses including silicone acrylate rigid gas permeable lenses.
5. Antimicrobial properties
6. Preservative and enzyme free.

You should Adhere To 3 Important Things on contact Lens Care:

1. Cleaning and Disinfection

   Cleaning and disinfection are important steps to kill micro-organisms responsible for eye infections.

2. Storage

   Contact lenses must be stored in approved saline solutions.

3. Re-wetting

   Use as needed to alleviate symptoms of lens dryness. This is not an actual lens care step but can be used for extra comfort.

Will Medicated eye Drops Affect My Contact Lens?

The lens case itself must also be cleaned and replaced regularly. After inserting lenses, rinse out lens case with saline solution, leave open to dry.

Will Medicated eye Drops Affect My contact Lens?

Medicated eye drops often have preservatives, which can penetrate the lens structure. Lenses should always be removed before inserting drops, unless they are designed for contact lenses. Certain medications transform the tear film both qualitatively and quantitatively. This can lead to temporary or even permanent incompatibility of the lenses.

Antihistamines, high blood pressure medications, laxatives, hormone preparations (pills), sedatives, sleeping pills, acne and rheumatism preparations, and pregnancy can alter the tear film structure.

Accessories

1. Have a special contact lens case with a fitted mirror. One can buy cases that are hand tooled, have decorations of the US flag, dogs, cats, or paisley motifs.
2. Contact lens blotters which are made from lint free material and keep lenses safe and fingers clean.
3. A functional contact lens care kit that has compartments to hold the contact lenses, cleaning solutions, and extra pair of spectacles.
4. Ultrasonic contact lens cleaners that keep the lens clean and dust free.

Accessorizing is not exclusively a cosmetic activity. Using the right accessories can make a difference in whether or not your contact lenses stay clean and functional.

Questions? Contact us.