Protect Your Eyes With These Contact Lens Safety Tips

Contact lenses have an excellent safety record – as long as the wearer carefully follows their eye doctor's instructions. October is Contact Lens Safety Month, so there's no better time to brush up on safety tips to keep your eyes and vision healthy while wearing contact lenses!

If you have further questions, need to update your prescriptions, get an eye exam or are considering a new brand or type of contact lens, contact Eyecare Professionals of Gahanna in Gahanna today.

How to Take Care of Contact Lenses

• Wash your hands with soap and water, then dry them with a paper towel or lint-free towel before handling your lenses
• Clean and disinfect non-disposable lenses according to the directions of the manufacturer or your eye doctor
• Never sleep in your contact lenses (unless they're specifically designed for overnight use)
• Never wear lenses that are damaged or torn
• Avoid contact with water (such as swimming or showering) while wearing contact lenses
• See your eye doctor at Eyecare Professionals of Gahanna regularly for eye checkups

If you develop symptoms such as redness, pain, or blurred vision, contact Eyecare Professionals of Gahanna to schedule an appointment.

Are All Contact Lenses Safe?

All contact prescription contact lenses are safe, provided the person wearing them cares for them properly. While having clean hands is a must for any type of contacts, disposable daily lenses don't require maintenance. Single-use lenses are a great option because you can just toss them away after each use, eliminating the need to clean and store your lenses.

In contrast, people who wear reusable soft contact lenses and don't disinfect them properly face a greater risk of certain infections. The risk of developing an eye infection is very low when patients follow safety instructions.

The Dangers of Decorative (Costume) Lenses

Did you know that the decorative lenses many people wear on Halloween and at parties can be dangerous to your eye health?

1. It's illegal to buy and sell contact lenses without a prescription according to the FDA. That includes cosmetic lenses like colored contacts, even if they don't correct your vision.
2. Decorative contact lenses can cause serious bacterial and fungal infections.
3. Non-prescription contact lenses can cause corneal ulcers, which are open sores on the eye.
4. All of the above can result in permanent vision loss.

This is why it's crucial to wear only lenses that have been prescribed and fitted by your optometrist. Take care of your eye health this Contact Lens Safety Month and all year long.

We invite you to visit Eyecare Professionals of Gahanna in Gahanna for all your eye care concerns.

FAQ

Why do contact lenses have expiration dates? Wearing your contacts past their expiration date can cause your eyes to become dry and irritated due to a buildup of debris and allergens. This can lead to eye infections and corneal damage.

Why was Contact Lens Safety Month founded? Every October, a non-profit eye health organization called Prevent Blindness encourages people to double down on contact lens safety. Their mission is to reduce avoidable vision loss by promoting eye health and educating lens wearers on ways to use and preserve their contact lenses.