Contact Lenses: Care and Hygiene

• Posted on: Aug 14 2024
• By: Jim Wiegand

Contact lenses offer a convenient and effective way to correct vision and provide an alternative to glasses for millions of people. However, poor contact lens care and hygiene can lead to serious eye infections and complications. Tower Clock Eye Center optometrists are great resources for the latest practices for contact lens care to keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear.

Why Contact Lens Care Matters

Contact lenses sit directly on the eye’s surface, making proper care crucial to prevent eye problems. Poor lens hygiene can introduce harmful bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms to your eyes, leading to conditions including:

• Keratitis: An infection of the cornea that can cause pain, redness and blurred vision. Severe cases can result in permanent vision loss.
• Conjunctivitis: An inflammation of the eye’s outer membrane which can be caused by bacteria, viruses or allergens. This can cause itchy eyes with discharge and blurred vision.
• Corneal Ulcers: Open and inflamed sores on the cornea that can cause severe pain and decreased vision. Many of these cases will result in permanent scarring of the cornea.

Updated Contact Lens Care Tips

Advances in lens materials and cleaning solutions, along with improved understanding of hygiene practices, have led to updated recommendations for contact lens care. Here is what I suggest:

1. Wash and Dry Your Hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling your contact lenses. Dry them with a clean, lint-free towel to prevent transferring dirt and bacteria to your lenses.
2. Clean and Disinfect Lenses Properly: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and disinfecting your lenses. Use fresh solution every time you clean your lenses – never reuse old solution. Gently rub and rinse your lenses in the palm of your hand, even if you use a “no-rub” solution, as this helps remove the vast majority of debris and microorganisms.
3. Use the Right Solution: Only use the lens care solutions recommended by your eye care professional. Never use water, saliva or homemade solutions because they can introduce harmful pathogens to your lenses.
4. Replace Your Lens Case Regularly: Your contact lens case can harbor bacteria, so it’s essential to clean it daily with fresh solution and let it air dry. Contact lenses cases should be replaced every 3 months or sooner.
5. Follow Your Lens Replacement Schedule: Stick to the prescribed schedule for replacing your lenses, whether they are daily, bi-weekly or monthly disposables. Wearing lenses beyond their intended use can increase the risk of eye infections.
6. Avoid Contact with Water: Remove your lenses before swimming, showering or using a hot tub. Water can introduce harmful microorganisms to your lenses and lead to serious eye infections.
7. Don’t Sleep in Your Lenses: Unless specifically designed for overnight wear, avoid sleeping in your contact lenses. Sleeping in lenses decreases the cornea’s interaction with oxygen which can cause blood vessel growth onto the clear cornea surface. This also increases the risk of infection and can cause dryness and discomfort.
8. Be Aware of Expiration Dates: Check the expiration dates on your lenses and solutions, and never use products that are past their expiration date.
9. Regular Eye Exams: Visit us regularly to ensure your lenses fit properly and your eyes remain healthy. Annual exams are usually recommended, but I may suggest a different schedule based on your needs.
10. Practice Good General Hygiene: Maintain overall eye hygiene by avoiding touching your eyes with dirty hands and removing makeup before inserting lenses. Choose hypoallergenic makeup products to reduce the risk of irritation.

Signs of Eye Problems

Even with proper care, it’s important to be vigilant about any changes in your eyes or vision. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Redness or irritation
• Pain or discomfort
• Blurred vision or sudden changes in vision
• Unusual discharge
• Sensitivity to light

Conclusion: Commitment to Eye Health

Caring for your contact lenses properly is a daily commitment that can significantly impact your eye health and overall well-being. By following these updated contact lens care and hygiene practices, you can enjoy the convenience and clarity that contact lenses provide while minimizing the risk of eye infections and complications.

Remember, Tower Clock Eye Center’s optometrists are your best resource for personalized advice and recommendations. Prioritize your eye health, stay informed and practice good hygiene to ensure your eyes stay healthy and your vision remains sharp.

Dr. Jamie Myers, OD, offers comprehensive eye care to both adults and children, as well as ocular disease management and pre- and post-operative care. She has developed an interest in dry eye, anterior segment disease and contact lenses.

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