In today’s fast-paced world people tend to look for quick solutions to many of the daily chores of life. This seems to be especially true of caring for your eyeglasses or contact lenses. Let’s start with a reminder of why this is important. First, eyeglasses and contact lenses are just like any type of prescription. They are tailored to your specific and unique vision needs. Just like you are not advised to share medications, the same can be said of glasses and contact lenses. In either case, you could damage your eyes or that of the person you lend them to.
But it is even more important not to allow another person to put your contact lenses in their eyes. It could lead to an infection or may even require surgical intervention to have them removed!
Here are a few tips on how to care and use your glasses:
1. Clean your glasses daily.
2. Wash your hands first to make them germ and dirt-free.
3. Rinse the lenses under warm water.
4. Apply a drop of dishwashing detergent that does not have a lotion ingredient.
5. Wash both sides of the lenses gently as well as the frames.
6. Shake off excess water – peer through lenses to ensure they are clean.
7. Dry with a lint-free towel.
As for contact lenses, the type of lenses you use will determine the steps to take to care for them. The lenses that need the least amount of care are the disposable, extended-wear soft lenses. Conversely, conventional soft lenses require more time and attention.
1. Begin by washing your hands thoroughly with a mild soap that does not contain any perfumes, lotions or oils.
2. Dry your hands with a towel that is both lint-free and clean.
3. Only use makeup and hair products after you have put in your contacts.
4. Use the disinfecting solution and cleansers recommended by your optometrist.
5. Squirt a little contact lens cleaning solution in the palm of your hand, then place a contact in the solution and rub it gently to remove dirt buildup. Repeat the process with the other contact.
6. Do not put water directly on the lenses; clean the case regularly with hot water and a mild detergent.
Follow all directions given by your optometrist. The professionals at Island Eyecare will be happy to answer any questions you have about contacts and glasses care.