CCLS General Rules for Safe Contact Lens Wear
Taking proper care of your contact lenses is essential for maintaining eye health and avoiding potentially serious infections. Let's face it, a red, sore eye is no fun, and an infection can be sight-threatening. So, avoiding one is worth some effort. Follow these guidelines to ensure safe and comfortable contact lens wear.
Avoid Wearing Lenses When Sick: Do not wear your lenses if you are feeling unwell. Your immune system is compromised when you’re sick, increasing the risk of eye infections.
No Water Contact: Do not shower or swim in your lenses. Water can introduce harmful microorganisms to your eyes, leading to infections. If you think water has touched your contact lens, dispose of the lens immediately.
Hygiene First: Always wash and dry your hands before you put your lenses in or take them out. This simple step can significantly reduce the risk of infection.
Carry Re-Wetting Drops: Keep some contact lens re-wetting drops with you to ensure your eyes stay comfortable and hydrated throughout the day.
Listen to Your Eyes: If a lens is persistently uncomfortable, do not continue wearing it. Discomfort can be a sign of a problem that needs addressing.
Discard them when you’re meant to: stick to the recommended replacement schedule your lenses are designed for.
Purchase legitimate lenses: Contact lenses are prescription medical devices, and sizing and material matters. Purchasing from an optometrist, either online or in a practice, ensures you get a legitimate product that has been handled and stored correctly. It also means you avoid counterfeit products.
Regular Checkups: See your CCLS optometrist or ophthalmologist regularly to ensure your eyes are healthy and your lenses are fitting correctly.
Additional Rules for Reusable Contact Lenses Wearers
Multi-use contact lenses need more looking after than daily disposable ones, so there are a few more rules for them:
Clean, Rinse, and Disinfect: Clean, rinse, and disinfect your lenses after every wear. This routine prevents the buildup of harmful bacteria and deposits on the lenses. Ideally, use the care solution your eye care professional recommends.
Avoid Water: DO NOT use water to clean or rinse your lenses. Always use the appropriate contact lens solution.
Proper Storage: Keep the lids on your solution bottles and store them in a cool, dry place to maintain their effectiveness and prevent contamination.
Check Expiry Dates: Regularly check the expiry dates of your lenses and solutions. Using expired products can compromise eye health. If it’s out of date, don’t use it.
Annual Eye Exams: See your optometrist at least once a year for a comprehensive eye exam. This helps ensure your lenses are still the best option for your vision and eye health.
Conclusion
By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the benefits of contact lenses while minimizing the risk of infections and complications. Proper lens care is crucial for maintaining healthy eyes and clear vision.
For personalized advice and to ensure you’re practising safe contact lens wear, visit one of our expert CCLS optometrists.