To be a successful contact lens wearer it is vital that you get lenses that fit correctly and that you are shown how to properly handle them. Your optometrist will give you a full exam and determine if contacts are right for you. Because of the necessary examination and contact lens training, your initial visit can take an hour or longer.
Below are some quick dos and don’ts to remember when using contacts:
DO:
Practice the care routine in your optometrist's office and make sure you feel comfortable putting in and taking out your lenses before you leave.
Follow lens care and wearing instructions/schedules to the letter.
Always wash hands thoroughly before handling your lenses.
Handle contact lenses over a clean towel. If your drop your lenses, they will stay clean and undamaged.
Store your lenses in the case made for them and keep the case clean.
When wearing your contacts, keep the empty case open and dry.
Schedule follow-up visits to your optometrist. This is a vital part of maintaining your eye health and safe contact lens wear.
DON'T:
Never use cream soaps because they can leave a film on your hands that can transfer to the lenses.
Don’t put contact lenses in your mouth or moisten them with saliva, which is full of bacteria and a potential source of infection.
Don’t use tap water or homemade saline solutions. Improper use of homemade saline solutions has been linked with a potentially blinding condition among soft lens wearers.
Don’t reuse solution — each day should have a new disinfecting solution added.