Contact Lens Safety and Risks

If you are considering getting contact lenses of ANY type, The Eye Care & Surgery Center physicians recommend:

Having a thorough eye exam from a licensed eye care professional.
Having a careful fitting and getting a valid prescription that includes the brand and complete set of lens parameters.
Carefully following directions given to you for cleaning, disinfection, and wearing the lenses.
Visiting the eye care professional who initially prescribed your contacts for follow-up eye exams in order to make sure they are fitting properly.

Contraindications to Wearing Contact Lenses

Most people who need vision correction are able to wear contact lenses safely and comfortably, but there are some exceptions. Some of the conditions that might keep you from wearing contact lenses are: frequent eye infections, severe allergies, dry eyes or an inadequate tear film, a work environment that is very dusty or dirty and inability to handle and care for the lenses properly.

Contact Lens Care & Safety

There are a number of good hygiene practices that will help you to wear your contacts safely and comfortably. Please take time to read and then practice the following care principles:

Your contact lenses must be properly cleaned and disinfected each time you remove them in order to kill germs and prevent infections.
At the time you insert your contact lenses, you should thoroughly rinse the case with soap and warm water and allow it to air dry. All contact lens cases need frequent cleaning, including disposable lens cases. In addition, the contact lens solution in the case should be regularly changed and not just “topped off”.
Never put your contact lens in your mouth and then insert it into your eye.
Never use homemade cleaning solutions; they have been linked to serious eye infections. All solutions should either contain cleansing and anti-microbial ingredients, or be used in conjunction with another sterilizing method such as hydrogen peroxide. Non-preserved solutions MUST be used in conjunction with an appropriate sterilization process and discarded frequently due to the risk of contamination.
Do not attempt to sterilize and re-use disposable lenses – you must discard them.
Never mix different brands of solutions
Any eye drops, even nonprescription ones, can interact with all types of contact lenses.
Only use an appropriate brand of solution recommended by the eye care professional who fit you, or else check with the doctor before changing brands.
Always wash your hands with soap prior to handling contact lenses or touching your eye.
Do not share your lenses with someone else.
Do not take your lenses in and out repeatedly throughout the day.
Only wear your contacts on the schedule prescribed by your doctor.
Dispose of your contact lenses at the interval prescribed by your doctor.
Call your Eye Care & Surgery Center doctor If You Experience Any These Symptoms