Do your eyes feel dry and irritated after a day of wearing contact lenses? Many contact lens wearers experience discomfort, which can often be traced back to improper lens care.

As the number of contact lens users is expected to reach 600 million by 2029, it's becoming more crucial than ever to learn and apply good lens care practices.

With so many people depending on contact lenses for better vision, proper care is key to avoiding eye problems and ensuring that lenses work effectively and safely for everyone.

Proper maintenance not only extends the life of your lenses but also protects your vision and eye health.

Are you sure you're taking the best care of your lenses?

Read on for comprehensive guidance on keeping your lenses—and your eyes—in top condition.

1. Daily Cleaning: Essential for Eye Health

Cleanliness is key when it comes to contact lens care.

Every day, before you put in your lenses and after you take them out, you should clean them.

Use a doctor-recommended disinfecting solution, apply a few drops to each lens, and gently rub them in the palm of your hand.

This method effectively removes microorganisms and protein deposits that can cause eye infections and discomfort.

Are you skipping this step because you're rushed or tired?

Consider this: a few extra minutes can prevent days of eye discomfort.

2. Proper Lens Storage: A Must-Do

Proper storage of your contact lenses is vital for maintaining both eye health and the clarity of your vision.

Always use a fresh solution in a clean lens case—never simply top off the old solution, as this can weaken the disinfectant’s power, allowing bacteria to grow.

It’s critical to replace your lens case every three months to prevent the build-up of biofilm, a slimy layer of bacteria that can harbor harmful pathogens.

Regularly changing your lens case is a straightforward but crucial action that can dramatically reduce the risk of eye infections.

When followed diligently, this simple routine can safeguard your eyes against potential irritants and infections, ensuring that your contact lenses are safe and effective for everyday wear.

This habit is especially important for contact lens wearers, as it protects the eyes from complications that can impact overall eye health and vision clarity.

3. Handling Lenses with Care: Keep it Clean

Always wash your hands with soap and water before touching your contact lenses.

Dry your hands with a lint-free towel to avoid transferring any fibers to your lenses.

When handling lenses, avoid using sharp objects like tweezers or fingernails, which can damage them.

Think about it—any scratch on a lens can feel like a pebble in your eye.

Be gentle and meticulous in your handling to avoid unnecessary discomfort or damage.

Investing in high-quality contact lenses is crucial for maintaining eye health and ensuring the best vision correction.

High-quality lenses are designed to be safer and more comfortable, reducing the risk of complications.

At Eye Level Optical, we provide a selection of premium contact lenses tailored to meet individual vision needs and preferences, ensuring you receive the best possible care for your eyes.

4. Follow Your Lens Wear Schedule: No Shortcuts

It's tempting to wear your lenses longer than recommended, especially if they still feel comfortable.

However, overwearing can lead to decreased oxygen transmission to your cornea, causing discomfort, redness, and even infections.

Stick to the replacement schedule prescribed by your eye care provider—whether daily, bi-weekly, or monthly.

Remember, a fresh pair of lenses feels better and is healthier for your eyes.

5. Annual Eye Health Check-ups: Don't Skip

Regular check-ups with your eye care professional are crucial for ensuring the continued health of your eyes and the effectiveness of your contact lenses. 

These visits are an opportunity to discuss any discomfort or issues you are experiencing and to check if your lens prescription needs updating.

Even if everything seems fine, an annual exam can catch potential problems before they become serious.

How to Recognize and Respond to Contact Lens Discomfort

If you experience any irritation, redness, or discomfort while wearing your contact lenses, it's crucial to act immediately.

Remove your lenses and inspect them for any visible damage or debris. Rinse them with a sterile solution before attempting to reinsert them.

If discomfort persists, remove the lenses and consult your eye care professional.

Continuing to wear uncomfortable lenses can lead to more serious eye problems.

It's also a good idea to keep a pair of glasses handy, so you can give your eyes a break if needed. 

Clear Vision, Healthy Eyes: The Bottom Line

Proper care of your contact lenses is crucial for maintaining clear vision and healthy eyes.

Adhering to these straightforward guidelines enhances comfort and effectiveness, greatly reducing the risk of infections and complications.

Are you considering an update to your eye care routine or curious about new lens options?

Eye Level Optical offers expert advice and a range of products tailored to your needs.

Trust Eye Level Optical for comprehensive support in eye care.