How To Clean and Care For Your Contacts

At Michigan Eyecare Institute, with locations in Southfield, Livonia, and Dearborn, MI, we are dedicated to providing the best care for your eye health, including the proper management of contact lenses. Our team of optometrists, ophthalmologists, and eye surgeons helps guide patients in maintaining healthy vision with proper contact lens care. Understanding how to clean and care for your contacts is essential for preventing eye infections and ensuring long-term comfort.

Why Proper Contact Lens Care Is Important

Contact lenses provide a convenient and effective alternative to glasses, but they come with the responsibility of proper care. If not cleaned and handled correctly, contact lenses can cause discomfort, dryness, or more severe issues such as eye infections or corneal ulcers. Proper cleaning and storage of your contacts will help reduce these risks and maintain clear, comfortable vision.

Cleaning Your Contact Lenses

One of the most important steps in contact lens care is cleaning. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling your contacts. Use a disinfecting solution recommended by your eye doctor, never water or saliva. After removing your lenses, place them in a clean contact lens case and rinse them with the solution to remove debris. Never reuse old solution, as it can become contaminated.

Storing Your Contact Lenses

Contact lenses should be stored in a clean, dry case and soaked in fresh disinfecting solution every night. Make sure to replace your lens case regularly, at least every 3 months, to avoid buildup of bacteria or mold. Avoid storing your lenses in a dry case without solution, as this can dry them out and lead to eye irritation.

Avoiding Contact Lens Issues

To prevent common contact lens-related problems like dryness, irritation, or infection, follow these tips:

•             Never wear your contact lenses for longer than prescribed by your eye doctor

•             Avoid sleeping in your contact lenses unless specifically recommended by your eye doctor

•             Do not wear your contacts in swimming pools, lakes, or hot tubs

•             Always follow the cleaning and replacement schedules provided by your optometrist

When to See an Eye Doctor

If you experience discomfort, redness, or blurred vision while wearing your contacts, schedule an eye exam with an optometrist near you. These symptoms could indicate an infection or a need for a new prescription. At Michigan Eyecare Institute, our expert team offers comprehensive vision testing and can help identify any issues with your contacts.

Contact Michigan Eyecare Institute Today

Proper care of your contact lenses is crucial for maintaining healthy eyes and clear vision. At Michigan Eyecare Institute, our experienced optometrists and ophthalmologists in Southfield, Livonia, and Dearborn, MI, are here to help with all your contact lens needs. Call us today at (313) 582-7440 to schedule an eye exam and ensure your contacts are working for you in the healthiest way possible.