Wearing contact lenses is a convenient and safe way to correct your vision as an alternative to wearing glasses. However, since the material is soft and supple, it can be easily damaged without much force. If you're a first-time lens wearer, consult the guide below to learn how to handle these delicate eye correction tools. 

Do:

Wash your hands.

Before touching your contacts or your eyes, wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap. Keep your hands under the running water for at least 20 seconds and make sure to clean under the fingernails. This will prevent the eyes from becoming infected or irritated when putting in or taking out contacts. 

Soak the lenses.

Each night after removing your lenses, place them in a case provided by the eye doctor. Next, fill the case halfway with a contact solution. Make sure the lenses are completely soaked, as this solution will keep them moisturized overnight. Close the case to ensure it doesn't spill.

Don’t:

Overwear them.

Some contacts are meant to be worn for a day, while others can be reused for a few weeks. Only wear your lenses for the amount of time that the eye doctor prescribes to avoid damaging your eyes. If you have daily lenses, remove them every evening and toss them. For reusable lenses, remove them when swimming or when sleeping to avoid infections. 

Skip your annual eye exam.

During an eye exam, the eye doctor will check your curvature to ensure that lenses continue to fit you comfortably. They'll closely look at how light reflects off the cornea, which helps determine the base curve of the cornea. They'll also ensure your eyes are healthy by examining the eyeball and looking for signs of diseases, including glaucoma. 

If you are looking for eye care for contact lenses, reach out to Eagle Eye Care in Denham Springs, LA. This locally-owned and operated optometrist offers a variety of vision care services to keep you seeing clearly. Whether you need annual eye exams, new glasses or contact lenses, or care for vision loss issues, you will get a personalized treatment plan. Call (225) 243-1950 to schedule your appointment, or visit them online to learn more about their services.