August 19-23, 2019 marks the sixth annual Contact Lens Health week, organized by the CDC, the American Academy of Optometry and the American Academy of Ophthalmology. It is an initiative to help the public gain a better understanding of the importance of healthy contact lens wear and care habits and the consequences of contact lens abuse and over wear.
According to the CDC, over 45 million people in the U.S. wear contact lenses. Contact lenses can be a convenient and comfortable option for vision correction as long as the patient realizes the importance of compliance with their doctor’s recommendations for proper wear and care. Failure to comply with these recommendations can lead to infections and other ocular complications, some of which can lead to blindness. Although, even the non-sight threatening infections can be very painful and can interfere with one’s everyday life.
We recommend patients follow these guidelines for healthy contact lens wear and care for their contact lenses:
Wash your hands with soap and water before insertion and removal of your contact lenses. Be sure that your hands are completely dry before touching your lenses.
Never sleep in your contact lenses, unless prescribed by your eye doctor.
Keep water away from your lenses. Never swim or shower in your contact lenses.
Store your lenses in a clean case full of fresh contact lens solution daily. Never “top off” your solution from the previous day.
Never wear your lenses longer than what is recommended by your eye doctor. Contact lens replacement schedules range from monthly, to bi-weekly, to daily disposable, depending on the specific brand of the lens.
Replace your contact lens case at least every three months.
Remove your lenses immediately and see your eye doctor if you experience pain, red eyes or blurred vision.
Practicing these habits is key to having healthy eyes while wearing contact lenses. Ultimately, your eye health is up to you and how you take care of your lenses!
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