Caring for your contact lenses is crucial for maintaining healthy eyes, whether this is your first time using contact lenses or your fifth pair. Contact lenses offer a convenient and effective way to correct vision without the need for glasses; however, proper care is essential to ensure the longevity of your contacts.
However, the landscape of contact lens care has evolved significantly. The traditional methods of cleaning and disinfecting lenses are being replaced by a simpler, healthier solution—daily disposable contact lenses. If there is one thing that stands out as the most important step in caring for contact lenses, it’s keeping them clean and free from bacteria. And the best way to do that? Start fresh every day with a new pair of daily disposables.
Poor lens care can result in bacterial infections, corneal ulcers, and other serious eye conditions that may require medical attention. If you notice discomfort in your eye, contact our office to consult an eye doctor.
Your eyes are delicate, and contact lenses sit directly on the cornea, which makes them susceptible to bacteria, dirt, and protein deposits. Over time, these contaminants can accumulate, even with the most diligent cleaning routine. This buildup can lead to:
Selecting the right contact lens solution is essential for maintaining eye health and ensuring comfort. There are several types of contact lens solutions, each designed to serve different purposes.
This is the most commonly used contact lens solution because of its convenience and effectiveness. Multipurpose solution can clean, disinfect, rinse, and store your contacts all in one step. It is designed to remove debris, protein deposits, and bacteria from your contacts, making them safe for daily wear. Simply place your lenses in a clean case filled with multipurpose solution overnight to ensure proper disinfection. Multipurpose solutions are easy to use and suitable for most soft contact lenses.
Hydrogen peroxide solutions provide a deep clean and are ideal for those with allergies or sensitivities. They effectively disinfect contacts by breaking down proteins and deposits. However, they require a neutralizing step to convert the solution into a harmless saline before use. This usually involves soaking the contact lenses in a special case with a neutralizing disk for several hours. It’s essential to follow the cleaning solution instructions carefully, as using contacts directly from the hydrogen peroxide solution without neutralizing can cause severe irritation or injury to your eyes.
Saline solutions are primarily used for rinsing and storing contact lenses. They do not have disinfecting properties, so they should not be used as the sole method for cleaning contacts. Saline solutions are often used in conjunction with other cleaning and disinfecting solutions. They are gentle on the eyes and can be used to rinse off debris before inserting your contact lenses in their case.
Before handling your contact lenses, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Dry them with a lint-free towel to prevent transferring dirt and oils to your contacts. Additionally, during the day, avoid touching your eyes or contact lenses with dirty hands to reduce the risk of infections.
Adhere to the recommended replacement schedule for your contacts, whether daily, bi-weekly, or monthly. Wearing contacts beyond their intended lifespan can lead to complications. Here at BVC, we recommend daily contacts as they are the easiest to maintain and the healthiest option for your eyes. There is little cleaning involved!
Visit the BVC website today to conveniently order more contacts and essential eye care products like contact lens solutions, eye drops, and soothing dry eye masks.
Watch for signs such as discomfort, blurry vision, or visible damage, indicating it's time to replace your contacts.
Caring for contact lenses is essential to maintain clear vision and healthy eyes. For patients who prefer contacts over glasses, proper lens care prevents infections, reduces irritation, and protects the long-term health of the eyes. However, many overlook the most critical part of contact lens care—keeping the lenses clean and free from bacteria.
Never rinse your contacts with tap water, as it can introduce harmful bacteria. If contacts come in contact with water, whether it be from the ocean, shower, or pool, immediately use a lubricating drop to loosen the contact and remove it with clean hands. If your eyes become irritated over the course of the day, feel free to place your contacts in a lens case with a special solution.
Sleeping in your contacts increases the risk of eye infections and reduces oxygen supply to your corneas, leading to discomfort and potential damage.
When it comes to lens care, daily disposable contacts offer the highest level of convenience, safety, and hygiene. These soft lenses are made from flexible, water-absorbing materials, providing a high level of comfort as they easily conform to the shape of the eye. As the name suggests, daily contact lenses are intended for one-time use, to be discarded at the end of the day, eliminating the need for cleaning or disinfecting. These contacts are ideal for people with allergies, dry eyes, or unpredictable schedules. Their disposable nature significantly reduces the risk of eye infections, making them a convenient choice that provides clear and comfortable vision. While they are the most expensive product, they are the healthiest for people's eyes.
While bi-weekly, monthly, and RGP lenses have their place, daily disposables prioritize long-term eye health, comfort, and convenience – making them our top recommendation.
Halloween is all about trick-or-treating for kids and finding a creative costume that stands out for partygoers. Some people might wear decorative contact lenses as part of their costumes. However, if these contacts are bought illegally and without a prescription from your eye doctor, they could cause serious health issues and potentially damage your eyesight permanently.
Unfortunately, some people think that contact lenses are safe if they’re just for cosmetic use and not for vision correction. Allergic reactions or bacterial eye infections from contaminated or poorly fitted decorative contacts can happen quickly when bought from unauthorized retailers. Always know where your contact products come from.
At BVC, we understand that every patient has unique vision needs. Therefore, we also offer specialty contact lenses, which provide a solution for corneal conditions that standard prescription lenses cannot manage. Dr. Morgan specializes in fitting these advanced lenses, offering patients personalized treatments to effectively address corneal diseases. These lenses are designed to manage and improve conditions such as keratoconus, high astigmatism, corneal dystrophies (irregular corneas), severe dry eye, and corneal scarring.
Remember to schedule your annual eye exam, and if you experience any complications with your contact lenses, please visit us promptly. The BVC team is dedicated to addressing all your eye care needs. Whether you wish to book an appointment, inquire about our services, or update your eyewear, we are here to assist you. Contact us by either sending a text or calling our Carlsbad number (760) 438-2020 or Encinitas number (760) 944-7177. Schedule a consultation with an eye doctor today and embark on your journey to improved vision and eye health.