If you want to remain a contact lens wearer for decades to come, make sure you have the basics down.

Hand washing

Always wash and dry your hands with a lint free towel before handling your lenses. Water should never come in contact with your lenses. Water changes the chemistry of your lenses, causes dehydration, alters the shape, changes the visual quality and can increase bacterial growth on the lenses.

Lens cleaning

Both multipurpose solutions (MPS) and hydrogen peroxide based solutions work well to clean contact lenses when used correctly. The most effective way to use a MPS is to rub the lenses for 10 seconds, rinse them and then soak them overnight in fresh solution.     

"When your lenses feel uncomfortable, your eyes are telling you that they are hurt. Pushing your contacts until this point is slowly damaging your eyes. "

Case cleaning

Cases should be cleaned and dried daily after lenses are inserted. The cases should be replaced every 3 months to prevent bacterial contamination of the case. Certain lens cases containing silver ions are to be left moist, as long as the case remains wet, the silver ions released when in contact with applicable solution, will continue to kill germs. This type of solution may help if your eyes are left irritated after activities like watching TV or working on the computer. Cases should not be left on the bathroom counter but put in the cabinet to avoid particles from the flush of a toilet settling on the case.

Replacing lenses

Every brand of soft lenses has a recommended safety period. The period starts from the moment the contact is removed from the vacuum sealed package. When your lenses feel uncomfortable, your eyes are telling you that they are hurt. Pushing your contacts until this point is slowly damaging your eyes. Programs, Apps and reminders on smart phones can be used to keep you on track.

Sleeping in lenses

If you fall asleep often in your lenses, make sure you are wearing lenses that are safe to sleep in. If your eyes and lenses are dry when you wake up resist the urge to take your lenses out. Place a drop of moisture in the eye and allow the contact to rehydrate. Your eye care professional can recommend safe drops for your brand of lens.  

"Many people believe dryness and discomfort are normal for contact lens users.  But it doesn’t have to be. There are many things that can be done to improve your comfort."

Dry contact lenses

Many people believe dryness and discomfort are normal for contact lens users. But it doesn’t have to be. There are many things that can be done to improve your comfort. See your eye care professional for advice.

Eye exams

A contact lens wearer should have their eyes examined once a year. The fitting relationship of your lens and your cornea must be monitored to prevent dryness, irritation, discomfort, redness, oxygen deprivation and infections. Switching brands should be done under the care of a professional. A lens may feel fine but could be doing damage to your eyes.