People nowadays are lucky enough to have various options to help improve their eyesight. The use of contact lenses is just one of many practical solutions that provide safe and effective correction to visual problems.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 45 million people in the United States are using contact lenses. However, the risk of infection is never impossible if wearers fail to clean and store their contact lenses properly. Even eye infections or inflammation that does not threaten your ocular health can still be painful and affect your daily life. So, how can you protect your eyes when using contact lenses?

Healthy Habits to Protect Your Eyes

Proper hygiene and contact lens care are all essential to protecting your eyes. Eye experts often urge their patients to follow the guidelines below to keep their eyes healthy.

· Always wash and dry your hands. Before handling your contact lenses, do not forget to wash your hands with soap and water. Then use a clean cloth to dry your hands thoroughly before touching your contact lenses.

· Keep your contact lenses away from water. Remember that water can expose your contact lenses to a host of germs. This exposure can harm your eyes, so remove your contact lenses before swimming. You are also not supposed to shower in them.

· Remove your contact lenses before bedtime. Avoid sleeping in your contact lenses unless directed by your eye doctor. This habit is to prevent eye infection. Also, replace your contact lenses as often as necessary, depending on your eye doctor’s recommendation.

· Clean and disinfect your contact lenses properly. Each time you remove your contact lenses, clean them thoroughly. Gently rub and rinse your contact lenses using a fresh disinfecting solution intended for contact lenses. Never use water or saliva for cleaning. Also, do not mix a new disinfecting solution with the used solution. Only use contact lens solution products prescribed by your eye doctor.

· Do not neglect your contact lens case. Instead of water, use a contact lens solution to clean your contact lens case. Just rub and rinse it with the liquid, then dry it using a clean tissue. After each use, remove the caps and store the case upside down. Lastly, see to it that you get a new one at least once every three months.

· Always be prepared. Do not forget to carry a backup pair of eyeglasses all the time with your current prescription. It can be handy if you lose your contact lenses or if you need to take them out.

· Visit your eye doctor regularly. Talk to your eye doctor at least once a year or as often as necessary. Discuss how you can wear your contact lens properly and what your care habits are supposed to be. This way, they can guide you on how to keep your eyes healthy. Should you experience any eye pain or blurred vision, call your eye doctor.

Are you looking to wear contact lenses but are worried about the possible risks? Get in touch with Advanced Eyecare Center PC in Urbandale, Iowa, today. Our vision care team will help you find the best eye care solution suitable for your condition and lifestyle. Call us at (515) 303-4488 for more information.