Are You Caring for Your Contact Lenses Correctly?

Contact lenses offer clear, convenient vision without the need for glasses but they also require responsibility. Proper contact lens care is essential not only for maintaining clear vision, but also for protecting your long-term eye health. Unfortunately, many patients unintentionally develop habits that can increase their risk of irritation, infection, or more serious complications.

Why Proper Contact Lens Care Matters

Your contact lenses sit directly on the surface of your eyes. When lenses are not cleaned, stored, or replaced properly, bacteria, debris, and protein deposits can build up. This increases the risk of:

• Eye infections
• Corneal ulcers
• Redness and irritation
• Dry eye symptoms
• Blurry vision

In severe cases, improper lens care can even threaten your vision. The good news is that most complications are preventable with proper hygiene and routine follow-up care.

Common Contact Lens Care Mistakes

Even responsible wearers can fall into bad habits over time. Here are some of the most common mistakes we see:

• Sleeping in Lenses Not Approved for Overnight Wear: Unless specifically prescribed for extended wear, sleeping in your contacts significantly increases the risk of infection.
• Topping Off Solution: Reusing or “topping off” old solution in your case reduces its disinfecting ability. Always discard old solution and refill with fresh solution each time.
• Not Replacing Lenses on Schedule: Daily, bi-weekly, and monthly lenses are designed for specific replacement timelines. Wearing lenses longer than recommended allows deposits and bacteria to accumulate.
• Poor Case Hygiene: Your contact lens case should be cleaned daily with fresh solution (not water), left open to air dry, and replaced every three months.
• Using Water on Lenses: Tap water can contain microorganisms that may cause serious eye infections. Never rinse or store lenses in water.

Healthy Habits for Contact Lens Wearers

To protect your eyes, follow these essential guidelines:

• Always wash and dry your hands before handling lenses.
• Use only the cleaning and disinfecting solution recommended by your eye doctor.
• Follow your prescribed wearing schedule.
• Remove lenses immediately if you experience pain, redness, or blurry vision.
• Never share contact lenses with others.

Simple daily habits make a significant difference in long-term eye health.

The Role of Regular Contact Lens Exams

Even if your vision feels fine, routine contact lens exams are critical. A contact lens exam is different from a standard vision exam. It allows your optometrist to:

• Evaluate how your lenses fit on your eyes
• Assess the health of your cornea and tear film
• Check for early signs of irritation or infection
• Update your prescription if needed
• Ensure your lenses still meet your lifestyle and comfort needs

Your eyes can change over time, and subtle issues may not cause noticeable symptoms right away. Regular exams allow us to catch concerns early before they become more serious. At Arora Vision Associates, we prioritize both your vision clarity and your eye health. Staying current with your contact lens exams ensures your lenses remain safe, comfortable, and effective.

When to Call Your Eye Doctor

Contact us right away if you notice:

• Persistent redness
• Eye pain
• Light sensitivity
• Discharge
• Sudden blurred vision

Prompt treatment can prevent complications and protect your sight.

Schedule Your Contact Lens Exam Today

Contact lenses are a safe and effective vision correction option when worn and cared for properly. Small daily habits combined with routine contact lens exams play a major role in keeping your eyes healthy. If you’re unsure whether your lens care routine is ideal or if it’s been a while since your last exam, now is the perfect time to take action.

Schedule your contact lens exam at Arora Vision Associates to ensure your eyes stay healthy and your lenses continue to work their best. Visit our office  in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, or call (856) 406-7445 to book an appointment today.