Always Wash Your Hands: Before handling contact lenses, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water, and dry them with a lint-free towel to avoid transferring dirt or bacteria to your lenses.

Clean and Disinfect Your Lenses Daily:

• Remove: Remove one lens from your eye and place it in your clean, dry palm.
• Rinse: Apply a few drops of contact lens cleaning solution (recommended by your eye care professional) onto the lens.
• Rub: Gently rub the lens with your index finger in a circular motion for about 20 seconds on both sides to remove dirt, debris, and bacteria.
• Rinse again: Rinse the lens thoroughly with the cleaning solution or saline solution to remove any remaining debris.
• Store: Place the clean lens into a lens case filled with fresh disinfecting solution or multipurpose solution. Leave the lenses to soak for at least 6 hours before using them again.

Do’s:

• Use the Recommended Solution: Always use the contact lens cleaning solutions or saline solutions recommended by your eye care professional.
• Follow a Cleaning Routine: Clean and disinfect your lenses daily by following the appropriate steps of rinsing, rubbing, and rinsing again before storing them in fresh solution.
• Replace Your Contact Lens Case Regularly: Contact lens cases can harbor bacteria and fungi over time. Replace your lens case at least every three months or as advised by your eye care professional.
• Adhere to the Prescribed Wearing Schedule: Follow the wearing schedule prescribed by your eye care professional for your specific type of contact lenses (1 day, bi-weekly, 1 month, etc.).
• Attend Regular Eye Check-ups: Schedule regular eye check-ups with your eye care professional to ensure your prescription is up-to-date and to monitor your eye health.
• Know When to Replace Your Lenses: Follow the recommended replacement schedule for your contact lenses. Wearing expired or damaged lenses can cause eye irritation or infections.
• Wear Lenses Before Makeup: Put on your contact lenses before applying makeup to avoid contaminating them with makeup particles.
• Avoid Oily or Dirty Environments: Keep your lenses away from oily substances and dirt to prevent contamination.

Don’ts:

• Do Not Sleep in Your Contact Lenses: Unless prescribed, avoid wearing contact lenses overnight, as it increases the risk of eye infections.
• Avoid Using Tap Water or Saliva: Tap water and saliva can contain bacteria and other impurities. Always use the recommended solutions for cleaning your lenses.
• Keep Lenses Away from Harsh Chemicals and Heat: Avoid exposing your contact lenses to harsh chemicals, such as chlorine in swimming pools, or extreme heat, as it can damage the lens material.
• Remove Lenses Before Swimming or Showering: Water can contain bacteria and impurities that can adhere to your lenses and cause infections. Use daily disposable lenses or wear goggles if you must wear contact lenses while swimming.

Even with proper care, you may occasionally encounter problems with your contact lenses. Here are some common issues and tips on how to address them:

1. Dry Eyes

Symptoms:

• Feeling of dryness or grittiness
• Redness
• Blurry vision

Solutions:

• Use Rewetting Drops: Apply rewetting drops specifically designed for contact lenses.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body and eyes hydrated.
• Blink More Often: Make a conscious effort to blink more frequently, especially when using screens.
• Consider Different Lenses: Consult your eye care professional about trying lenses designed for dry eyes or switching to daily disposable lenses.

2. Lens Discomfort

Symptoms:

• Irritation
• Foreign body sensation
• Redness

Solutions:

• Check Lens Orientation: Ensure the lens is not inside out. A lens that forms a U shape is correctly oriented, while a cup shape indicates it is inside out.
• Clean the Lenses: Re-clean your lenses using the proper cleaning solution to remove any debris.
• Inspect for Damage: Check the lens for any tears or defects. Replace damaged lenses immediately.
• Consult a Professional: If discomfort persists, consult your eye care professional.

3. Blurry Vision

Symptoms:

• Blurred or hazy vision
• Difficulty focusing

Solutions:

• Clean the Lenses: Debris or protein deposits on the lens surface can cause blurry vision. Clean your lenses thoroughly.
• Check Lens Position: Ensure the lens is correctly centered on your eye.
• Replace Old Lenses: Use fresh lenses if your current ones are near the end of their recommended use period.
• Review Prescription: If your vision remains blurry, you might need an updated prescription. Schedule an eye exam with your eye care professional.

4. Red Eyes

Symptoms:

• Redness in one or both eyes
• Itching or burning sensation

Solutions:

• Remove Lenses Immediately: Take out your lenses to give your eyes a break.
• Use Lubricating Drops: Apply lubricating or rewetting drops to soothe your eyes.
• Avoid Wearing Lenses Until Symptoms Subside: Give your eyes time to recover before wearing lenses again.
• Consult an Eye Care Professional: Persistent redness may indicate an infection or other serious condition that requires professional attention.

5. Lens Falling Out

Symptoms:

• Lens slipping off the eye
• Difficulty keeping lens in place

Solutions:

• Ensure Proper Fit: Make sure your lenses are properly fitted by your eye care professional.
• Use Rewetting Drops: Apply rewetting drops to help the lens adhere better to your eye.
• Check Lens Type: Certain lens types may not fit well with your eye shape. Consult your eye care professional for alternatives.