Tag: contact lens safety

Contact Lenses during COVID-19 Pandemic

Karen Griffith

First of all, let me express how much all of us at Westside Optometry miss you, our patients. This has been a very trying time for all of us.

Secondly, it is safe to continue wearing your contact lenses, but very important you wear them as prescribed. That means properly washing your hands before inserting and removing the contact lenses. If you wear daily use contact lenses, throw them away after each use. If you wear reusable contact lenses, clean and disinfect them as prescribed, changing the solution everyday and replacing your contact lens case at least once every 3 months.

And lastly, if you get sick, or if your eyes are red, discontinue contact lens wear.

Reordering Contact Lenses

If your eye exam has been postponed and you are going to run out of contact lenses, call the office. We are making allowances for expired and soon to expire contact lens prescriptions.
We are taking orders for contact lenses by phone and having them shipped directly to you. We have an online option too.

Are Contact Lenses Dangerous?

Karen Griffith 1 Comment

Contact lenses are safe when you follow replacement schedules, maximum wearing time and other recommendations from Westside Optometry.
Dirty Contact LensA new report from the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that millions of Americans who wear contact lenses do things that can significantly increase their risk of eye infections. The findings come from an online survey of contact lens wearers designed to assess the prevalence of contact lens wear and hygeine-related risk behaviors.
According to the study 99% of contact lens wearers reported at least one habit or behavior that increases their risk of eye infection. I know that none of my patients would act in a way to compromise their eye health, but just in case some of you have lapsed, here are some reminders:

Contact lens “wear” risks

  • Sleeping in contact lenses
  • using contact lenses for longer than the recommended replacement schedule

Contact lens “care” risks

  • “Topping off” disinfecting solution in the lens case and using it again
  • Using the same storage case for more than 3 months
  • Not using the prescribed disinfection solutions

Not surprisingly nearly one third of the respondents reported having experienced a red and painful eye that required a visit to the doctor.

Contact lens wear is safe when you follow recommendations and use common-sense.