Many people choose to wear contact lenses for comfort or convenience. They may prefer the benefit of completely unobstructed vision, for example, or might want to wear them while playing sports. Some may want to change the color of their eyes. Whatever the reason, it’s important to abide by some basic rules to ensure the long-term health of your eyes. Here’s what you should know.

Guidance for First-Time Contact Lens Wearers

1. Prioritize Cleanliness

Nothing is more important than maintaining clean fingers and lenses. Wash your hands before you touch them and soak your lenses in an appropriate disinfecting solution.

After you put your lenses on, pour out the old liquid, rinse the case with new solution, and leave it open, upside down, to air dry on a piece of paper. Never rinse your lenses with water, as this could increase your chances of contracting an eye infection.

2. Be Patient

It can be challenging to insert your contact lenses for the first time. Be patient as you follow the directions given by your eye doctor.

Many lenses feature indicator numbers or blue tint, providing you with a visual guide to help you place them carefully. If you experience continued difficulty, ask your provider to monitor your method; you might just need to adjust your positioning or breathe through the process.

3. Remove Carefully

Always exert caution when removing your lenses. Begin by washing your hands thoroughly and drying on a lint-free towel to prevent transfer and irritation.

Following the same method as you do for insertion, use your fingers to widen your eyes, then gently use your thumb and index finger to pinch the lens out. Don’t worry about them getting “stuck”; it’s virtually impossible for that to happen, but your eye doctor can provide a minuscule tool that gently removes them if necessary.

If you’re interested in getting contact lenses, turn to the professionals at Eye Care Optical in Montgomery, OH. Serving the community for nearly four decades, these vision care experts are committed to your eye health. They offer general exams and retinal imaging and can help you select the right pair of glasses or contacts for your needs. Visit the website for more information, or call (513) 731-6587 to schedule an appointment.