About this topic
Contact lenses give many people a chance to be free of wearing glasses. You only have one set of eyes and want to protect your vision. Learn how to care for your contact lenses to lower your chance for: ‚
- Eye infections
- Corneal abrasions
- Corneal ulcers
- Decreased vision
- Blindness
Be sure to only wear contact lenses that have been ordered by your eye doctor. Contacts are medical devices and should not be purchased without a prescription. Even lenses that are used for decoration such as to change the color of your eye need a prescription. This ensures the contact will fit your eye the right way and lowers your chance of problems. ‚
General
- General tips
- Always wash your hands with soap and water before you touch your contacts.
- Do not sleep in your contacts unless your doctor tells you to. Sleeping in your contacts limits the amount of oxygen to your eye. It also increases your chance of having an ulcer on your cornea. This could lead to vision loss or even blindness.
- Replace your contacts as instructed by your doctor.
- Contact lens solution
- Always use contact lens solution to rinse your contact. Do not use water or saliva.
- Use the kind of solution your doctor suggests for your type of contacts.
- Never add new solution to old solution in your contact case.
- Contact lenses
- Only wear lenses prescribed by your doctor.
- Rub and rinse your contacts with contact lens solution each time you take them out. Do this even if you are using a no-rub solution.
- Always store your contact lenses in contact lens solution. Do not store them in water.
- Contact lens case
- Rub and rinse your contact lens case with contact lens solution after you put your contacts in your eyes. Do not rinse it with water.
- Empty it and store it upside down with the caps off on a clean tissue.
- Replace your contact lens case after 2 to 3 months of use.
What problems could happen?
- Eye infections
- Corneal abrasions
- Corneal ulcers
- Decreased vision
- Blindness
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Your eyes are red
- You have drainage from your eyes
- Your vision changes
- Your eyes itch or hurt
- You have more tears than usual
Helpful tips
- Always carry a back-up pair of glasses in case you need to take out your contacts.
- Do not wear your contacts when showering, swimming, or in a hot tub.
- Put in your contacts before you put on make-up. Take out your contacts before you remove make-up.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Ophthalmology ‚
http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/glasses-contacts-lasik/contact-lens-care.cfm ‚
American Optometric Association ‚
http://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/caring-for-your-vision/contact-lenses?sso=y ‚
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/features/healthy-contact-lens/ ‚
Food and Drug Administration ‚
http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ByAudience/ForWomen/ucm118511.htm ‚
Last Reviewed Date
2015-01-16 ‚
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Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider 's advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2016 Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved. ‚