Get Off to the Right Start With Your Contact Lenses

Get started off right with your contact lenses by going to a doctor who provides full-service care. This includes a thorough eye examination, an evaluation of your suitability for contact lens wear, the lenses, necessary lens care kits, individual instructions for wear and care and unlimited follow-up visits over a specified time. The initial visit and examination can take an hour or longer. Here is a list of other specific do’s and don’ts to lead you to successful wear. DO: Listen and watch closely as instructions are given and demonstrated. Practice the care routine in your optometrist’s office. Follow lens care and wearing instructions/schedules to the letter. Schedule follow-up visits both during and after your adaptation period. This is important to maintaining good eye health and safe contact lens wear. 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. DON’T: Use cream soaps. They can leave a film on your hands that can transfer to the lenses. Put contact lenses in your mouth or moisten them with saliva, which is full of bacteria and a potential source of infection. Use homemade saline solutions. Improper use of homemade saline solutions has been linked with a potentially blinding condition among soft lens wearers.