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Keep your eyes safe! Take time to care for your contact lenses. Here are some tips for keeping your eyes healthy and comfortable while you wear contacts.
Contact lenses may cause major eye problems.
If you notice a problem, take out your lenses right away and see your doctor.
What kind of lens is it? | How long can I wear them? | When do I clean my lenses? |
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Disposable Lenses Lenses that you throw away |
You can wear the lenses for one day. | You don't need to clean them. You use new lenses each day. |
Daily Wear Lenses Lenses you use again and again |
You can wear them for one day. Take them out when you go to bed or even take a nap. | Clean and rinse the lenses every time you take them out. Clean them if you have not worn the lenses in a long time. |
Extended Wear Lenses Lenses you can leave in for up to 30 days, even while you sleep |
FDA has only approved these lenses to be worn all the time for up to 30 days. | After 30 days, you need to take the lenses out and clean them. They can increase your chances of getting small sores on the eyeballs. See your doctor right away if:
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Call the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH)
at 1-888-463-6332 or 301-827-3990 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. EST.
Read the FDA Consumer article "Proper Care Gives Safer Wear"
www.fda.gov/fdac/features/1998/298_len1.html
Always contact your doctor for medical advice.
August 2005