Contact Lens Tips

No matter if you’ve been wearing contacts for years or just getting started, make sure you follow these contact lens tips on how to wear and take care of your contacts.
 

Putting in and Removing Your Contacts

Be sure to wash your hands well before you start.
 

It’s crucial to wash your hands with antimicrobial soap before you touch your lenses and eyes. Make sure you dry your hands thoroughly before you get started.
 

Watch out for any lotions or soaps that you use since these products can contaminate your lenses with an oily film.
 

Always Insert Your Contacts the Same Way
 

To minimize mistakes, insert your contacts in the same order every time. This is especially important because your contact lenses can have different prescriptions for each eye.
 

Use Your Palm
 

Fingernails can scratch your lenses and are a source of bacteria so start by putting the contact lens in the palm of your hand.
 

Choose the Correct Contact Lens Solution

Unless you are wearing daily disposable contacts, make sure you have fresh, high quality contact lens solution on hand. Use fresh cleaning solution each time you touch and store your contact lenses. Never use tap water to clean your contacts. Tap water can contain impurities and infectious microorganisms.
 

Shop carefully for your lens solution, different solutions work better for different lens brands and designs (see our other article on this topic here).
 

Keep Your Eyeglasses Handy

Even though you are wearing contacts, keep your eyeglasses close at hand. You may find you prefer wearing eyeglasses when you first get up in the morning and you don’t want to immediately put in your contacts. Eyeglasses are also nice during vacations if your contacts get dirty or have debris on them. In these situations, having a pair of eyeglasses to put on will be a welcome alternative.
 

Wear Sunglasses

Even though many contact lenses have UV-protection, they don’t totally block all of the harmful UV rays. That’s why we recommend you wear UV-protective sunglasses.
 

Talk to our optometrists about the kinds of outdoor activities you do so we can recommend the best solution for your eyes.
 

Buy Contacts from a Professional

Any contacts you buy, even decorative or color contacts with no prescription, need to be prescribed by a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist.
 

Since contacts are defined in the U.S. as a medical device, you are prohibited from purchasing contact lenses without a valid prescription. So come in to one of our offices and talk to our licensed eye care professionals. We will ensure your contacts are properly fitted for you.