CONTACT LENS SOLUTIONS AND CARE
Contact Lens Solutions
There are many types of contact lens solutions available for both soft and gas permeable contact lenses. It is important to remember that not every solution is right for every type of contact lens. Use only the lens solutions that are recommended by your eye doctor. Follow the instructions given to you by your doctor or the instructions printed on the box to properly clean and disinfect your contact lenses. If you wish to change contact lens solutions, please check with our office first.
Contact Lens Care
Contact lenses are prescription medical devices. To make sure your eyes and vision stay healthy while wearing contact lenses, please follow these guidelines or the instructions recommended by your doctor:
-Always remove your contact lenses before going to bed so that your eyes receive enough oxygen while you are sleeping.
-After removing your contact lenses, properly clean and disinfect them as the instructions on the packaging of your contact lens solution or as provided by our office.
-Wear your contact lenses for at least 4 hours before your follow-up appointment unless you are experiencing discomfort or poor vision.
-Follow-up appointments are important to assess how your eyes are adapting physiologically to your contact lenses.
Steps to Caring for Your Soft Contact Lenses
1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap, rinse and DRY them before handling your lenses.
2. Do not use tap water to clean or handle your lenses or to clean the case.
3. Your solution has been chosen specifically for your type of lens. Do not change it without discussing this with your doctor.
4. To maintain comfortable lens wear, rub your lenses with the prescribed solution to remove protein, oil, and make-up.
5. Store brand solutions are often old formulation of solutions and may not be compatible with your type of lens.
6. Always recap your solution bottle.
7. If you want to nap or sleep with your contact lenses, ask your doctor if your lenses are designed for that.
8. Before using any type of eye drop (medication or artificial tear), ask your doctor if the lenses need to be removed.
9. Clean the case with your prescribed solution and let air dry completely, uncapped and upside down, on a paper towel. It is recommended to replace your case at least every 3 months.
10. Empty completely the solution in the lens case every day. Never add more solution if there is solution already there.
11. Healthy lens wear should not induce redness, discomfort or visual disturbance. If you have any concerns, consult your eye care professional.
12. Your eye doctor has selected a wearing and replacement schedule for you. These are important to follow.
13. Never use tap water to rinse soft contact lenses.
14. Put on your contact lenses before makeup and remove them before removing makeup. Water-based makeup is less likely to damage lenses than oil-based makeup.
15. Never share your contact lenses with anyone.
If you experience any decreased vision, pain or eye irritation, redness, discharge or extra sensitivity to light, discontinue wearing your contact lenses and call our office at 847-518-0303.
Wearing Schedule
It will take 1-2 weeks for your eyes to get used to wearing contact lenses and about 6 weeks for your eyes to physiologically adapt. The best way to keep your eyes healthy is adhere to your wearing schedule.