With nearly 75 million contact lens wearers on the planet, and 31 million
in the US alone, it is hard to imagine that contact lenses are difficult
to wear. Most first time wearers, in fact, are delighted with the level
of comfort that contact lenses provide. As long as the initial contact
lens fitting is performed by a professional eyecare practitioner, any
irritation associated with new lenses can be minimized or eliminated.
After a brief adjustment period, most people report they can no longer
feel contact lenses on their eyes.
The FDA classifies contact lenses as prescription medical devices. They
require regular visits to an eyecare professional and proper
care/maintenance. Together with our team of eyecare professionals and
advisors, the Contact Lens Council has compiled a list of safety tips to
be used as a guideline for current or potential contact lens wearers.
Print it out and tape it up wherever you insert you lenses!
GENERAL SAFETY TIPS FOR CONTACT LENS WEARERS
CLEANING AND SOLUTIONS SAFETY TIPS
HOW TO INSERT YOUR CONTACT LENSES PROPERLY
* Be sure to have your eye doctor demonstrate these steps prior to your
first attempt at inserting your lenses.
What Are the Different Types of Solutions?
Cleaning solution: removes debris, dirt and mucus from the lens
Disinfecting solution: safely and effectively reduces microbial
contamination on the lens that can cause eye infections
Multi-purpose solution: a single solution that rinses and disinfects
lenses and may also contain protein removers
Peroxide solution:
Enzyme cleaner/Protein remover tablets or solutions: used to reduce
protein build-up from tears that cling to the lens causing discomfort
Rewetting solution/ Comfort drops: used as a lubricant while wearing your
lenses to increase comfort levels
Rinsing solution: eliminates debris and other solutions in preparation
for usage
For specific information on solutions, please
contact individual
manufacturers directly.
Reminders:
For those who lead an active lifestyle, contacts can provide:
For those who prefer the way they look without glasses -- or find glasses
to be cumbersome and awkward -- contacts can provide ease, convenience
and comfort.
For those who have always wanted to change their eye color, contacts can
provide baby blues, gorgeous greens, heavenly hazels -- and even patterns
and designs.
For those who work or play in an environment in which spectacles are not
an option, contacts allow for comfortable goggle wear, or the appearance
of no vision correction whatsoever.
For those who think laser surgery and its risks are frightening and
prohibitively expensive, contacts can provide a safe, comfortable and
time-tested alternative.
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Or, you can look forward at the lens and gently situate it in the center
of your eye.
SWAPPING LENSES
There have been alarming reports throughout the country that people--most
frequently teenagers-are "swapping" lenses with each other: "I’ll
trade you my blues for your cats-eyes".
REMEMBER:
DO NOT SWAP, BORROW OR BUY SOMEONE ELSE’S LENSES. It is essential
that contact lenses be professionally fitted. Contact lenses that don't
fit correctly or are used by more than one individual can cause serious
eye infections, sometimes resulting in permanent eye damage, or worse.
Comprised of two separate components, one (peroxide) for disinfecting for
overnight storage, and a neutralizer
