Contact Lenses 101: What to Do and What Not to Do

Vienna Eyecare Center also offers a wide range of eyeglasses and contact lenses to enhance your vision. Our contact lenses are made of high-quality materials to maintain your visual comfort all day long. Contact lenses are one of the safest forms of vision correction, provided handle and care for them properly.

In today’s post, we share the do’s and don’ts of handling your contact lenses.

DON’T: Skip Washing Your Hands

Thorough handwashing is a must before touching your contact lenses. We suggest using an antimicrobial or gentle, lotion-free cleansing soap when doing so. This helps remove dirt, grime and microorganisms that could be transferred to your eyes and cause an infection. Afterward, rinse your hands thoroughly and dry them with a lint-free cloth.

DO: Clean Them Properly

Contact lenses are worn directly on your eyes, which is why cleaning them regularly is necessary. Rest assured that your optometrist will guide you step-by-step on how to properly do so. Some contact lenses also have written manufacturer wear and care instructions that can be found inside the packaging.

DON’T: Jump in the Pool or Take a Shower While Wearing Your Contact Lenses

Water from the pool or shower may harbor germs that could inside your contact lenses, putting you at risk of an eye infection. It’s also important to use our prescribed lens solution when cleaning your contact lenses. Other substances could contain toxins that may harm your lenses or your eyes.

DO: Undergo Regular Eye Exams

All contact lenses, including cosmetic ones, are considered medical devices. This means an eye care specialist needs to perform an eye exam to assess your visual health before prescribing you a pair of contact lenses. A proper eye assessment also allows us to determine the best type of contact lenses to address your eye care needs.

DO: Remember Your Replacement Schedule

Different types of contact lenses have different replacement schedules. Daily disposable lenses, for example, should be used only once and discarded at the end of the day, while other types of contacts can be worn for several weeks or months before being replaced. Make sure to follow the replacement schedule or you run the risk of infection.

For more contact lenses do’s and don’ts, you can reach us at (703) 938-7633 or complete our form. We serve Fairfax, Reston and Tysons Corner, VA.

Dr. Richard Snively