Do’s and Don’ts about color contact lenses

Do’s and Don’ts about color contact lenses

For safe, healthy wearing, it’s important to know and follow these rules for color contact lens care and handling.
Follow these tips, and you’ll avoid discomfort or more serious complications.


DO:

• Attend regular eye care checkups annually
• Remember to disinfect the lenses 24 hours before wearing color contact lenses
• Wash and dry hands with a mild soap before handling color contact lenses
• Keep fingernails short and smooth to avoid scratching your color contact lenses
• Clean, rinse and disinfect color contact lenses after use (except daily disposable lenses, which should be discarded daily)
• Air dry lens cases/storage cases and keep dry when not holding color contact lenses
• Insert color contact lenses before applying makeup
• Remove color contact lenses before removing makeup
• Replace lens cases/storage cases every 3 months to prevent contamination buildup
• Have spare lenses and fresh solutions on hand
• Avoid contact with aerosol sprays

DON'T:

• Buy color contact lenses without a prescription
• Use tap water on color contact lenses
• Reuse disinfecting solution - always discard and replace with new solution each time color contact lenses are stored
• Rub your eyes vigorously
• Sleep in your color contact lenses
• Share color contact lenses with each other
• Swim, shower, or visit a sauna wearing color contact lenses
• Wear your color contact lenses past their recommended use
• Ignore the warning signs of infection
(If you are experiencing pain, redness, blurriness or light sensitivity, your eyes may be having a problem that requires medical attention.)

Additional Recommendations:

• You should try out lenses for only a short period at first to make sure your eyes do not become overly irritated
• Color contact lenses include allergic reactions, accumulation of protein on the lenses, and eye irritation due to improper lens care