Cleaning Methods for Contact Lenses

There are many different methods for cleaning contact lenses. The best way to clean contacts is to follow the cleaning methods recommended by an eye care professional. These methods will depend on a number of factors including the types of lenses, health of the eye and lifestyle of the wearer. There are some similarities to these different cleaning methods and the following steps are included in most methods:

• Wash and dry hands thoroughly
• Remove contact lenses
• Gently rub contact lenses with cleaning solution
• Store the lenses in a case filled with fresh disinfecting or storage solution

Contact Lenses & Swimming

It is best if you don´t swim with your contact lenses in because there are bacteria in the water that can adhere to your lenses and cause infections. If you do swim in your contacts, you should wear goggles over them and you should disinfect them immediately afterwards. This will keep your eyes free of infection. If you swim often try prescription swimming goggles. They will allow you to see in and out of water without your contact lenses!

Sleeping while wearing your Contact Lenses

Falling asleep while wearing disposable contact lenses is a common problem, but that doesn´t mean that it is not a serious one. Sleeping with your contact lenses in your eyes can cause damage and discomfort. It is recommended that you remove your contact lenses every night before you go to sleep and stoe them in saline in a doctor approved case. This simple procedure should reduce itching, burning, and vision problems.

If you feel that taking out your contact lenses every night is a hassle, Focus has recently made available Focus Night & Day Contacts. These lenses are made to wear for 30 days consecutively, even while sleeping! They allow 6 time more oxygen to reach your eyes than standard disposable contact lenses.

Sharing Contact Lenses

You should never share your contacts with anyone. Someone may ask to try your colored contacts to see how they look. Dont do it, you would be asking for an eye infection.

Tinted Contact Lenses Can Lenses More Visible

Contact lenses that are slightly tinted are more visible and are therefore harder to lose. Contact lenses are rather small and can be quite slippery. It is not uncommon for contact lens wearers to drop a contact lens while handling the contacts. When this happens, contacts that are completely clear can be difficult to find. Tinted contact lenses, however, have a light blue or green tint to them which makes them more visible. The slight tint to these contacts is not enough to alter the color of the eye but it is enough to prevent the contacts from becoming easily lost.

Purilens Contact Lens Cleaner

The Purilens contact lens cleaner is a unique cleaning system for your contacts - it uses Ultraviolet Light to kill bacteria on your lenses.

No-Rub Cleaining Solutions

Many contact lens solutions are now marketed as no-rub. This means that the manufacturer believes you can clean the lens effectively by simply storing and rinsing with the solution and dont need to spend time rubbing the lens to remove dirt and protein deposits

Always Store Contact Lenses in a Sterile Case

Contact lenses should always be stored in a sterile carrying case filled with fresh solution. This will ensure the contact lenses remain moist and clean. Contact lens wearers should carry both a storage case and a bottle of storing solution in case they need to take out their contact lenses. Many contact lens wearers make the mistake of carrying a storage case filled with solution. This is not ideal because the solution may become tainted or even evaporate if left in the case for too long.

Proper Lens Care Can Save You Money

Some contact lens cleaning solutions can be rather expensive, but in the long run they can save you money. The products recommended by your eye doctor may seem expensive but they can result in cost savings if they keep your contact lenses cleaner than less expensive cleaning solutions. When contact lenses are not cleaned properly they may become uncomfortable and may need to be replaced more frequently than anticipated. The cost of replacing contact lenses too often can exceed the cost of using cleaning solutions of a higher quality.

Overwearing Contact Lenses

Many people find they can make their contacts last longer than the doctor recommends. For example, a two week lens might last them three or even four weeks. However, this is not good practice as the lens material generally breaks down and protein starts to build-up on the lens. This leads to loss of comfort and an increased risk of eye infections.

UV Protection

Some contact lenses have UV protection built in to the lens. Two examples are the Precision UV, and the Acuvue 2. Even if you wear these lenses, however, you should still use sunglasses because the contact lens will only protect the part of your eye that it covers.

Back-up Glasses

You should always have a back-up pair of eyeglasses - even if you wear your contacts all the time. For one thing if you lose a contact, or if you get a pink-eye and need to stop wearing your contact lenses for a while, you´ll need glasses in order to see. If you plan to wear them indoors only, you dont need to spend a fortune - get the cheapest pair you can find.

Part-Time Contact Lens Wear

The 2 weeks refers to the actual amount of wearing time so they can last longer than 2 weeks if you are not wearing them full time. For example, if you wear your 2 week disposable contact lenses every other day then they should last you 1 month.

Dealing with Contact Lenses When You Travel

Caring for contact lenses when traveling doesn't have to be different than caring for contacts at home. The most important part of traveling with contact lenses is to pack carefully to ensure all necessary cases and solutions are available during the trip. This is especially important if you will be traveling to a destination where purchasing replacements for forgotten items will be difficult, such as during a camping trip or travel in a different country. It is also recommended to travel with an extra pair of contact lenses in case one is lost or torn during the trip.

Preventing Discomfort When Flying with Contact Lenses

The most prevalent problem associated with wearing contact lenses while flying is the discomfort associated with dry eyes. The relatively low humidity associated with the pressurized cabin of an airplane can make eyes feel dryer than usual. Using rewetting eye drops prior to the flight and as needed during the flight can help to prevent the eyes from becoming dry and uncomfortable during the flight. Contact lens wearers should also avoid sleeping during their flight because this can worsen the dry eyes condition. Carrying eye glasses and a storage case and solution is also recommended in case the dry eyes become too uncomfortable.