Proper Care Gives Safer Wear
- Follow, and save, the directions that come with your lenses. If you didn't get a patient information booklet about your lenses, request it from your eye-care practitioner.
- Use only the types of lens-care enzyme cleaners and saline solutions your practitioner okays.
- Be exact in following the directions that come with each lens-care product. If you have questions, ask your practitioner or pharmacist.
- Wash and rinse your hands before handling lenses. Fragrance-free soap is best.
- Clean, rinse and disinfect reusable lenses each time they're removed, even if this is several times a day.
- Clean, rinse and disinfect again if storage lasts longer than allowed by your disinfecting solution.
- Clean, rinse and air-dry the lens case each time you remove the lenses. Then put in fresh solution. Replace the case every six months.
- Get your practitioner's okay before taking medicines or using topical eye products, even those you buy without a prescription.
- Remove your lenses and call your practitioner right away if you have vision changes, redness of the eye, eye discomfort or pain, or excessive tearing.
- Visit your practitioner every six months (more often if needed) to catch possible problems early.
Watch Out:
- Never use saliva to wet your lenses.
- Never use tap water, distilled water, or saline solution made at home with salt tablets for any part of your lens care. Use only commercial sterile saline solution.
- Never mix different brands of cleaner or solution.
- Never change your lens-care regimen or products without your practitioner's okay.
- Never let cosmetic lotions, creams or sprays touch your lenses.
- Never wear lenses when swimming or in a hot tub.
- Never wear daily-wear lenses during sleep, not even a nap.
- Never wear your lenses longer than prescribed by your eye-care practitioner.
--D.F.
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