Contact Lens Safety Tips
Contacts provide millions with the ability to see clearly while driving, working, and reading. However, contacts are so common that we may not give much thought to the maintenance and care necessary to protect our eyes and the contacts themselves.
Our Top Contact Lens Safety Tips
We’ve outlined some easy-to-follow tips that will help you maintain good contact lens safety and eye care.
#1 – Wash Your Hands
This is the most important tip for contact lens wearers. Hands carry germs that can be transmitted to the contacts and eyes, resulting in infection. Clean hands also lessen the chance of gritty and irritating particles coming in contact with your eyes when.
After washing, use a lint-free towel to dry your hands. Be sure to wait until you place the contacts in your eyes before applying oils or lotions to your body.
#2 – Sports
While playing contact sports such as basketball, football, or soccer, it is fine to wear contacts; they rarely fall out.
On the other hand, if you swim, avoid wearing contacts, especially in lakes or hot tubs, which are high-risk sources for microbes.
Wet contacts can be hard to remove from your eyes. If you do happen to wear contacts while swimming, use saline or rewetting drops to remove them. Then disinfect and clean them.
#3 – Cleaning and Storage
Using a multi-purpose contact lens solution is an excellent option because it allows you to rinse, clean, and disinfect your contacts and lens case.
Do not use tap water or saliva to clean your contacts or case. This can cause a severe eye infection.
#4 – Makeup
It is good practice to put in your contacts before applying makeup. Makeup can get into the eye and stick to your contacts.
If you wear eyeshadow, experts recommend using cream rather than powder, which is more likely to get into the eyes. Remember, when you are ready to remove your makeup, wash and dry your hands and remove the contact lenses before taking them off.
#5 – Don’t throw away your glasses!
Even though you wear contact lenses, you may need to wear your glasses from time to time. Make sure to keep a pair of glasses with an up-to-date prescription.
Contacts are a convenient alternative to glasses. Proper contact lens safety and maintaining good habits will allow comfortable use of contacts without strain or injury to your eyes. Please follow your eye care professional’s recommendations regarding care and maintenance products, prescribed wearing, and replacement schedules.
If you are interested in contacts and would like to schedule an eye exam, please contact The Eye Center, with locations in Huntsville and Madison, at 256-705-3937.