Care for your Contact Lenses
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
Proper care for your contact lenses
(contacts) can help prevent eye damage or infection. You need to know how to insert and remove contacts correctly. You also need to know how to clean and store contacts, and how often to change them.
Seek care immediately if:
- You have a sudden change in your vision or complete loss of vision.
- You have an object in your eye.
- Your contact gets stuck in your eye.
- Your eye is bleeding or looks different than usual.
- You have severe eye pain.
Call your doctor or ophthalmologist if:
- Your eyelid is swollen.
- Your eyes are sensitive to light.
- You get hit in the eye with an object.
- You have changes in your vision.
- Your eyes are red and draining yellow or white fluid.
- You feel like there is something in your eye.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Wash your hands before you touch your contacts:
Use soap and water. Do this before you insert, remove, or clean your contacts. This will prevent eye infections.
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Clean your contacts as directed:
Use a multipurpose contact lens solution as directed. Rub and rinse your contacts before you insert them or store them. Do not use water or eyedrops to clean your contacts.
Keep your contact lens solution clean:
Do not let the tip of the bottle touch any surface or your hands. Do not put solution into a travel-sized container. Keep the cap on the bottle when you are not using it.
Store your contacts correctly:
Store your contacts in new solution each time. Do not reuse the solution. Do not store your contacts in water. Clean the case every day with multipurpose contact lens solution. Keep the case open and let it air dry when you are not using it. Replace the case every 3 months.
Replace your contacts as directed:
Ask your healthcare provider how long you should wear a pair of contacts. Change your contacts as directed to prevent infection or injury to your eye. Throw away contacts that have a hole or tear.
Remove your contacts before you swim:
This will prevent damage to your contacts and help prevent an eye infection.
Remove your contact if you get chemicals in your eye:
Throw your contact away and rinse your eye with water. Stand under a shower or faucet or pour water into your eye from a clean cup. Do this for 15 minutes.
Ask your healthcare provider if it is safe to wear your contacts during sleep:
Extended-wear contacts can be worn overnight. Other types should be removed for sleep to prevent an eye injury.
Do not smoke:
Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can cause lung damage. Smoke can damage your contacts and cause eye problems. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products.
What you need to know about contacts and makeup:
- Put contacts in before you put on makeup.
- Do not wear lash-extending mascara. This type of mascara has fibers that can get on your contact and irritate your eye.
- Do not wear waterproof mascara. This may stain your contacts.
- Replace your eye makeup every 3 months to prevent infection.
- Do not use fake eyelashes or eyelash cement. These products can damage your contacts.
- Remove your contacts before you remove makeup. Clean and store your contacts as directed.
- Do not apply eyeliner to the moist part of your eyelid.
- Do not use hand cream or lotion before you touch your contacts.
- Use hairspray before you put in your contacts.
Follow up with your doctor or ophthalmologist as directed:
Get an eye exam 1 time each year, or as often as directed. Your healthcare provider can check for changes in your vision or eye problems. Your provider can also make sure your contacts fit your eyes correctly.
© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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