Contact lenses are among the safest forms of vision correction when patients follow the proper care and wearing instructions provided by their eye doctor. However, when patients do not use lenses as directed, the consequences may be dangerous. In fact, contact lens wearers could be damaging their eyes by not using proper hygiene in caring for their lenses.

Contact lenses and the solutions used with them are medical devices and are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, therefore, it is extremely important that patients maintain regular appointments to ensure they are receiving clinical guidance from their eye doctor based on individual eye health needs.

Clean and safe handling of contact lenses is one of the most important measures contact lens wearers can take to protect their sight. Exercising optimal care and hygiene with contact lenses can keep the eyes healthy.

Recommendations for Contact Lens Wearers from the American Optometric Association

Click here to download a copy of "What You Need to Know About Contact Lens Hygiene and Compliance".

1. Always wash and dry your hands before handling contact lenses.
   
   
2. Carefully and regularly clean contact lenses, as directed by your eye doctor. Rub the contact lenses with fingers and rinse thoroughly before soaking lenses overnight in sufficient multi-purpose solution to completely cover the lens.
   
   
3. Store lenses in the proper lens storage case and replace the case at a minimum of every three months. Clean the case after each use, and keep it open and dry between cleanings.
   
   
4. Use only products recommended by your eye doctor to clean and disinfect your lenses. Saline solution and rewetting drops are not designed to disinfect lenses.
   
   
5. Only fresh solution should be used to clean and store contact lenses. Never re-use old solution. Contact lens solution must be changed according to the manufacturer's recommendations, even if the lenses are not used daily.
   
   
6. Always follow the recommended contact lens replacement schedule prescribed by your eye doctor.
   
   
7. Remove contact lenses before swimming or entering a hot tub.
   
   
8. See your eye doctor for your regularly scheduled contact lens and eye examination.

www.aoa.org  11/08