For new contact lens wearers, it can take some time to learn how to put in and take out their lenses properly. However, once the skill is mastered, it becomes second nature. Developing healthy contact lens habits is just as important as learning how to put them in. Improper handling can damage your contact lenses or put your eyes at risk for an infection.
Develop Healthy Contact Lens Habits
Wash Your Hands
Before touching your contact lenses, it’s so important to make sure your hands are clean. Bacteria and germs from your hands can easily transfer to your lenses and cause eye infections. Washing your hands with warm, soapy water before attempting to put in or take out your lenses will go a long way in keeping your eyes healthy.
Use Lens Solution
Contact lenses should only be used in conjunction with lens solution—never water. Lens solution is formulated to clean and disinfect your contact lenses, helping to prevent infections, while water offers no disinfection benefits. In addition, water has a different chemical makeup from lens solution and natural tears, which can cause severe discomfort to your eyes. Your optometrist can recommend a contact lens solution brand for your particular lenses and specific eye needs.
Keep Your Solution and Case Sterile
Always recap your solution when it’s not in use and be mindful to not touch the tip of the container to your case, contact lenses or fingers. It’s important to keep your solution sterile and free of germs, bacteria and debris. Also, remember to keep your contact lens case clean and sterile. You should rinse your contact lens case with fresh solution—not water—and then leave the empty case to air dry. Cases should be replaced regularly to avoid contamination and eye infections.
Clean Your Lenses
Your contact lenses should be cleaned before they go into a case for the night. After taking out your contact lens, place it in your palm and rub with the solution to remove buildup and debris. Rinse the contact lens with fresh solution and then place it in your case with clean solution to disinfect overnight. Repeat with the other contact lens.
It’s extremely important to take proper care of your contact lenses and develop healthy contact lens habits from the very beginning!
If you ever have any questions about how to care for your contact lenses, contact your nearest Hakim Optical location.
Hakim Optical is proud to serve Canada with 161 retail outlets and offer FREE one-year frame guarantees, FREE consultations and FREE professional cleanings and adjustments.