Swimming in a pool with your contacts on or topping off your solution may seem harmless, but they could compromise your contact lenses and your vision.

Daily Habits for Optimal Contact Lens Care

Wash Your Hands Regularly

Whether you use daily or monthly contact lenses, make sure to first wash your hands. Avoid using scented or oily soaps, as their residue might stick to the lens surface. Similarly, avoid creams and lotions prior to inserting contacts into your eyes.

Clean Your Contacts Daily

You must clean and disinfect your contact lenses on a daily basis, unless you use daily disposables. There are several cleansing systems and solutions available — the choice depends on the type of lens you use. Speak with your eye doctor to determine the best cleaning solution for your lenses and eyes.

Avoid Contact with Water

We advise against using tap water, as it contains impurities and microorganisms that can cause infections. Furthermore, tap water can lead your contacts to swell and change their shape. If you must swim with your contact lenses on, make sure to wear protective goggles and clean them with solution when you come out of the pool.

Never Use Saliva

Your mouth is filled with germs, which are fine for your teeth but not for your eyes. Avoid using saliva to "clean" or moisten your contact lenses.

Do Not Top off Solution

You should not top off yesterday's solution in your contact lens case with fresh solution. The concoction might not contain enough disinfectant to kill off organisms and clean your lenses.

Routinely Change the Contact Lens Case

It's recommended to change your contact lens case every 2-3 months, as microscopic dirt may linger in the case, leading to contamination and eye infections.

Don't Sleep with Your Lenses On

It's important to give your cornea a chance to breathe; sleeping with your contacts may cause redness, soreness and infections. Make sure to remove your contact lenses before you get some shut-eye, unless they're specialty lenses intended to be worn overnight.

Get That Annual Eye Exam

Don't forget to book your yearly eye exam at Optique Family Vision Care in Springfield, as your vision can change. Furthermore, getting an exam is also an excellent opportunity to ask your eye doctor any questions you may have.