Contact Lens Safety Tips

Here is a list of safety tips from the American Optometric Association:

• Visit a reputable eye care professional for a complete eye examination every 12 months or more frequently if directed by your eye care professional.

• Use only contact lenses approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and prescribed by a licensed eye care practitioner.

• Never swap contact lenses with another person.

• Don't wear lenses longer than prescribed, nor when sleeping unless otherwise directed.

• If eyes become red or irritated, remove the lenses immediately and talk to your doctor. Don't try to brave the irritation.

• Replace contacts regularly because they wear out over time. Throw away disposable lenses after the recommended wearing period.

Cleaning tips

• Remember the acronym CRD, for Cleanse, Rinse and Disinfect. Do this to your lenses after removal and before wearing them again. Enzyme and cleaning solutions cannot substitute for disinfecting, although there are multipurpose products that can perform many of these functions if used as directed.

• Wash and rinse your hands before handling your lenses. Use a non-perfumed hand soap.

• Do not use saliva to clean your lenses.

• Never use non-sterile homemade saline, distilled water, or tap water for any part of your lens care regimen.

• Know your solution. Solutions cannot always be mixed. Use products recommended by your doctor. Not all solutions can be used for all contact lenses.

• Solutions can become contaminated through contact with lenses. Do not let the bottle tip touch any surface, including your contact lenses.

• Clean, rinse, and air-dry your lens case each time lenses are removed. Contact lens cases can be a source of bacteria growth. Replace cases every six months or with each new bottle of solution.