Avoiding Eye Infections for Contact Lens Wears
 

One of the most common complications for contact lens wearers are eye infections. Whether the infections are caused by bacteria or a virus, the condition is easily treatable with medicated eye drops.

Avoiding eye infections can be easy if you follow a few simple suggestions. These points are not in any particular order; they are all very important suggestions:

1.  Change your disposable contact lenses when your doctor recommends.

2.  Always wash your hands thoroughly (and rinse thoroughly) before handling your lenses. Use soap that doesn’t have moisturizers and perfumes, like Ivory soap.

3.  CHANGE OR WASH/STERILIZE YOUR CONTACT LENS CASE REGULARY! In the many years of practicing, I have seen some of the dirtiest cases that you wouldn’t believe! Remember, you are storing your lenses in your case. Think of your case as your own eye; would you want to put your lenses on your eye when they have been in that case? To clean it, wash thoroughly with soap and warm water.  To sterilize it, place your cleaned case in a hard boil (water) for a few minutes. I recommend cleaning/sterilizing OR replacing your case monthly.

4.  If you wear your lenses while you sleep, make sure your lenses feel good before you retire for the night.  If there is a problem or something under your lens, your eye will be worse in the morning. FYI: Anytime patients wear their lenses while they sleep, they greatly increase the risk of an eye infection.

5.  DON’T wear your lenses when you sleep if they are not approved by the FDA for extended wear. Your doctor will inform you of how your lenses can be worn. If you have questions about your lenses, email me!

6.  Soak your lenses in an approved disinfection solution, NOT saline solution! I know it’s much cheaper, but it will not kill bacteria and mold. In fact, soaking them in saline is a breeding ground for bugs; it’s warm and wet; a perfect environment for bacterial growth. Click (here) to see the solutions I recommend.