Contact Lens Health Week in August

Contact lenses are a great way to improve your vision and an excellent alternative to glasses, especially if you lead an active lifestyle. They are a perfect way to enhance your appearance if you do not like the look of your glasses and can be worn for short or extended periods of time. To keep your eyes healthy, it is important to properly care for and clean your contact lenses.

How To Take Care Of Your Contact Lenses

Wearing contact lenses is a responsibility and there are a few things you need to do to avoid any potential eye damage. Here are a few tips to keep your lenses clean and healthy:

Always wash your hands before handling your lenses. This will help to prevent the transfer of bacteria.
Rinse your lenses thoroughly with lens solution before putting them in your eyes. This will help to remove any debris that may be on the lenses.
Never clean or store your contact lenses in water.
Be sure to change the solution in the case regularly to disinfect the case itself.
Never share your lenses with anyone else. This can lead to the spread of infection.
Store your lenses in a clean, dry place when you’re not wearing them. This will help to prevent them from becoming contaminated or damaged.
Adhere to the guidelines provided by the manufacturer of your contact lenses for lens maintenance.

The Risks of Improper Contact Care

Improper care of contact lenses is a major health risk. When contact lenses are not properly cleaned, they can become a breeding ground for bacteria. This leads to a number of serious risks, including infections, corneal ulcers, headaches, and even blindness.

Dry Eye

One of the most common problems associated with dirty contact lenses is dry eye syndrome, which occurs when the lenses do not allow enough oxygen to reach the cornea. This can cause irritation, redness, and inflammation. If left untreated, dry eye syndrome can damage the cornea and lead to vision problems.

Keratitis

Another serious risk is corneal ulcers, or keratitis, a cornea infection that can cause swelling, redness, and pain. Keratitis can lead to scarring and vision loss if it is not treated promptly.

Pink Eye

Pink eye is an infection on the outer membrane of your eye that causes redness, itching, and teariness. It is also easily transferrable which is why you should never share your lenses with other people.

Why It’s Important to Schedule Regular Eye Exams

Regular vision screenings are an essential part of maintaining good eye health. At our optometrist’s office, we will assess your visual acuity, eye pressure, and overall eye health to check for any underlying eye problems and evaluate your risk for developing common eye diseases. We will provide you with treatment options and also take measures to protect your eyes from future damage. We also offer a wide range of eyewear products, including glasses and contact lenses, and we will help you find the perfect pair.

Schedule an Appointment

Whether you need a routine exam, are experiencing vision problems, or need glasses or contact lenses, we welcome you to schedule an appointment with our ophthalmologist at Eye Care Physicians and Surgeons of New Jersey. Our team is dedicated to providing you with the highest quality of care, and we look forward to helping you achieve your best possible vision.