Anyone who uses contact lenses knows all about the sense of
vision freedom they provide. But wearing lenses doesn't come
without some maintenance responsibilities.
The eye's cornea needs steady oxygen; most problems related to
contact lenses occur when oxygen doesn't get through. That often
results from overuse of contacts for a prolonged period, wearing
lenses that do not fit properly, allergic disorders or bacterial or
fungal infections.
Proper cleaning and hygiene practices can greatly reduce the
chance of a contact lens-related eye problem.
Wash and rinse your hands with mild soap and dry with a
lint-free towel before handling your contacts.
Never handle, insert or remove contact lenses when applying or
removing cosmetics or when using hairspray. If the hairspray comes
in contact with lenses, it may leave deposits and possibly ruin
them.
Never use tap water, saliva or homemade solutions to clean
contact lenses. Always go with quality lens-care products according
to an eye doctor's directions, and don't attempt to reuse
solutions. For daily-wear soft and rigid gas-permeable lenses, try
to use of an additional protein-removing enzyme cleaner
periodically.
Clean the contact lenses by rubbing each lens in the palm of
your hand for a few seconds. Then, soak the lenses in a
disinfecting and cleaning solution according to product
instructions. That can eliminate most bacteria that may be
present.
Clean the contact lens case daily with sterile rinsing solution
and let it air dry. A case should be replaced about every three
months.
SOURCE: Mayo Clinic — Knight Ridder News Service
