Overstayed Welcome. Studies indicate around half of soft contact lens users wear lenses longer than prescribed. If you wait until the lenses start to bother you, you waited to long.
Caught Dirty Handed. The cleanest, daily disposable lenses are all for naught if wearers do not wash their hands before inserting the lenses. The last thing touching the lens before it goes into the eye is your finger.
Damp Digits. The flip side of dirty hands are wet hands. Sometimes people forget to dry their hands before handling contact lenses. Water can harbor harmful microorganisms that can be transferred onto the lens and subsequently into the eye. Make sure the towel you use is clean.
No Respect for the System. Not all contact lens care systems are created equal, in terms of disinfection and chemical sensitivities. Some solutions are not compatible with all lens materials. Before grabbing a cheaper, generic solution consider your eye comfort and health.
A Case of Grimy Cases. Proper contact lens care extends to storage cases, as well. Contact lens cases should be replaced at least every three months and cases should be cleaned and disinfected daily.
Dozing Dangers. And finally, people snoozing in contact lenses that are not designed to be slept in are at a five times higher risk of developing corneal infections, ulcers and inflammations. Even extended wear lenses carry risk of infections. If you are in a situation without a case and solution, just throw your lenses away instead of sleeping in them.
Contact lenses are an amazing medical device. When treated well and respectively you can count on years of successful wear.
Proper contact lens care is essential for the best contact lens wearing experience
Contact lens wear is quite safe as long as proper lens and storage case care are followed. Improper lens wear and care can put the lens wearer at risk for serious consequences. Sight-threatening microbial keratitis (corneal ulcer) is the most significant adverse event associated with contact lens wear and is largely preventable.
Single-use or daily disposable soft lenses are prescribed to be worn once and discarded. This is the safest soft lens wearing modality because no lens cleaning, lens care or storage case is required.
The contact lens storage case is the most likely potential reservoir for contact lens related ocular infections. Contact lens cases are not meant to be family heirlooms. Replace the case at least every 3 months.
General Contact Lens Care Instructions
Hand washing: always wash your handsbefore handling contact lenses. Use mild, basic soap and avoid deodorant, scented or moisturizing liquid soaps.
Cleaning, rinsing and disinfection: Digital cleaning (rubbing the lens with your finger on your palm) removes dirt and debris and prepares the lens surfaces for disinfection. Rub and rinse thoroughly, even if the product is labeled “no rub.” Lens storage solutions contain chemicals that inhibit or kill potentially dangerous microorganisms while the lenses are soaked overnight.
Do not re-use old solution or “top-off” the liquid in the lens storage case. Empty the storage case daily and always use fresh solution.
Do not use lens care products beyond their expiration dates. Discard opened bottles after 30 days.
Do not allow the tip of the solution bottle to cone in contact with any surface, and keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
Make-up Removal: Insert contact lenses before applying contact lenses. Take contact lenses off before thoroughly removing make-up every night.
Keep contact lens storage case clean, inside and out. Replace the case at least every 3 months.
There are many advantages to wearing contact lenses. There are disadvantages too. If you are compliant with care and replacement of your contact lenses, the risks are reduced greatly.
Be aware that serious injury to the eye, scarring of the cornea and loss of vision may result from problems associated with wearing contact lenses and using lens care products. Eye problems, including corneal ulcers, can develop rapidly and lead to loss of vision. Immediately call or visit Westside Optometry for persistent symptoms of any eye discomfort, watering, vision change, or redness.
Extended Wear
Overnight wear of contact lenses has been shown to increase the risk of contact lens related complications. Do not wear your contact lenses for extended wear (24 hours a day including sleep) unless I’ve directed you to do so.
Smoking
Smoking increases the risk of serious problems with contact lens wear, especially when lenses are worn overnight. If you smoke, be sure to inform me.
Following Directions
Be sure to follow the exact instructions from my contact lens technician, myself and the contact lens manufacturer provide about how to use and care for your contact lenses and lens care products, including lens cases. Failure to do so may put you at risk of developing a serious eye infection.
Use Proper Lens Care Solutions
Soft Contact Lens Solutions
Do not use saliva, tap water, distilled water, or homemade saline solution for any purpose in caring for your lenses. The use of these solutions has been associated with serious eye infections including Acanthamoeba keratitis, a corneal infection that is resistant to treatment and cure.
Adverse Effects (Possible Problems)
It is possible that problems can occur and may be accompanied by one or more of the following conditions:
Moderate to severe eye pain not relieved by removing the lens
Feeling of something in the eye
Unusual eye secretions
Eye redness
Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
Eyes burn, sting or itch
Eyes water
Reduced sharpness of vision
Rainbows or halos around objects
Uncomfortable lens
Feeling of dryness
A serious condition such as corneal ulcer or eye infection may be present and may progress rapidly. Even less serious reactions such as a scratched cornea must be treated promptly to avoid serious complications.
What to do if a Problem Occurs
If you experience any of the above signs or symptoms, immediately remove your lens(es)
1. If the discomfort stops, then look closely at the lens(es):
If the lens is damaged in any way, DO NOT put the lens back on your eye. Discard the damaged lens.
If the lens(es) have dirt, an eyelash or other foreign body on them, and the lens(es) appear undamaged, thoroughly clean, rinse and disinfect the lens(es), then reinsert. After reinsertion, if the problem continues, remove the lens(es) immediately and contact Westside Optometry.
2. If discomfort continues after you have removed your lens(es):
Immediately contact Westside Optometry
Do not reinsert a new or spare lens onto an eye that is red, irritated or painful. A new lens may hide symptoms and delay treatment.
When Lenses Should Not Be Worn
Contact lenses should not be worn under certain general health and eye conditions. I take into consideration many factors to determine if continued contact lens wear is right for you. These include the following:
Inflammation or infection in or around the eye or eyelids
Excessive dryness of the eyes that makes contact lens wear uncomfortable
Any condition which reduces corneal sensitivity
Systemic diseases that may be affected by or impact lens wear
Allergic conditions, reactions or ocular irritation caused or exaggerated by lens wear or certain preservatives in lens care products
The use of any medication, including some eye medications, that shouldn’t be used with or interferes with contact lens wear
If eyes become red or irritated
General Guidelines for Safe Contact Lens Wear
While wearing your contact lenses, your eyes should look well, feel comfortable and your vision should be clear.
Your lenses are provided to you in a foil sealed plastic container. Never use a lens if the container seal is broken, as damage or contamination may have occurred.
Do not wear your lenses longer than prescribed, no matter how comfortable the lenses feel. Doing so increases the risk of adverse effects.
For a printable version of the above cautions for contact lens wear, click here.
