Category Archives: Lens Care

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The Ins-and-Outs of Wearing Makeup With Contact Lenses

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Many people are concerned about wearing eye makeup once they begin using contact lenses. Rest assured, it’s fine to use makeup such as eyeliner or eye shadow with your contact lenses — as long as you are very careful not to get them in your eye, or on your lenses. Also, it’s a great idea to put your contact lenses in before you apply makeup so that your fingers don’t transfer makeup residue onto your lenses.

Also, keep in mind that cosmetics often grow bacteria, which can then contaminate your contact lens and infect your eye. So, it’s important to never share makeup! If makeup does get into your eye or onto your lens, it can result in eye irritation or introduce bacteria. Establish a healthy routine and stick to it – insert lenses before putting on makeup, or using hair products like mouse or gel. In the evening before bed, wash your hands well before you remove your lenses, and then clean, rinse and disinfect them before washing off your makeup. This will ensure that you don’t trap eye makeup on the surface of your contacts.

If you’re sensitive, some eye care professionals suggest using hypoallergenic cosmetics to lessen the risk of eye irritation or infection. Also, it’s good practice to cover your eyes when you apply hair spray – it contains proteins that can attach on to your contacts, compromising sight as well as irritating your eyes. To minimize the risk even further of getting makeup or other products on your contact lenses, use an oil-free moisturizer and do not use hand lotions or creams before handling your contacts. Most importantly, never share lenses, and never share makeup.

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Do You Follow Your Lens Replacement Schedule?

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How often do you replace your contact lenses? In a recent study conducted by the American Optometric Association, they found that there are generational gaps in habits and awareness when it comes to contact lens wearers.

The survey revealed that younger generations are much more likely to follow their contact lens replacement schedule, as well as their wear and care guidelines. Whereas older generations were more lax about both. In case you’re unfamiliar, the replacement schedule is the length of time your lenses can be worn before they need to be replaced with new contacts. Depending of the type of contact you use, there are a variety of replacement schedules, from daily, to two-week, to monthly or longer, so it’s important to know what your contacts require. 

To maintain your eyes’ health, it’s vital to always follow your replacement schedule, unless otherwise directed by your eye care professional.

How often do you replace your contact lenses? In a recent study conducted by the American Optometric Association, they found that there are generational gaps in habits and awareness when it comes to contact lens wearers.

The survey revealed that younger generations are much more likely to follow their contact lens replacement schedule, as well as their wear and care guidelines. Whereas older generations were more lax about both. In case you’re unfamiliar, the replacement schedule is the length of time your lenses can be worn before they need to be replaced with new contacts. Depending of the type of contact you use, there are a variety of replacement schedules, from daily, to two-week, to monthly or longer, so it’s important to know what your contacts require. 

To maintain your eyes’ health, it’s vital to always follow your replacement schedule, unless otherwise directed by your eye care professional.

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Contact Lens Care: Do’s & Don’ts

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DO…

1.     Always thoroughly wash your hands with a mild soap, and then dry them with a lint-free towel before touching your lenses.

2.     It’s best to insert or remove your contacts in the same order (right then left, or vice versa) to avoid getting your contacts mixed up.

3.     Clean, rinse, and disinfect your contact lenses following your eye care professional’s explicit instructions every time you remove them.

4.     Keep all contact solution bottles closed when not in use.

5.     Clean your contact lens case daily.

6.     Change your contact lens case approximately every three months.

7.     Always take out your contacts before you go swimming.

DON'T…

1.     Bring soaps, cosmetics, or other substances into contact with your lenses.

2.     Touch the tip of a solution bottle to any surface, including your finger or your contact lens.

3.     Reuse – or add additional solution to – old contact lens solution in the case.

4.     Keep your contacts in for longer than the prescribed time.

5.     Use solution after the expiration date marked on the bottle.

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Extreme Sports & Contact Lenses

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Contact lenses offer substantial advantages over glasses when playing sports, such as larger field of view and unaltered by bad weather. In addition, with contact sports, such as football, both the player and opponents are safer if glasses are not involved.

Balance is the prime consideration when playing most sports, and wearing soft contact lenses offers consistent vision despite rapid eye movements. For more rigorous or dangerous activities, where optimal perception is necessary, toric soft contact lenses are recommended. In all cases, the biggest disadvantage of contact lenses is if they dry out and cause eye discomfort. If you’re wondering what lenses are best for your sport, read on.

Skiing – Most types of contact lens work well for skiing. Of course, it is necessary to use either goggles or sunglasses to provide protection from wind and cold, and therefore prevent lens dehydration.

Climbing at high altitude – Because of the reduced level of oxygen in the atmosphere at high altitude, high oxygen transmissibility soft lenses should be worn. Consider extended wear contacts to avoid difficulties with both handling and solutions in inclement conditions.

Swimming – in general, lenses are not recommended for swimming unless well-fitted goggles are worn as well. If you need to wear lenses, Soft contact lenses can be worn fairly successfully. However, use with caution, as some patients are very sensitive to chlorine absorbed by the lenses.

Scuba Diving – Overall, good results have been achieved with water content soft lenses when used for scuba diving. Keep in mind that air bubbles can form beneath lenses at depths of about 150ft or greater.

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Soft Contact Lens Care: The Basics

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Caring for your soft contact lenses is easier than ever. One-bottle care systems and disposable contact lenses mean that comprehensive lens care involves much less time, money, and trouble than it did just a few years ago. Each pair of lenses has unique needs, and you should follow the regimen prescribed by your eye doctor. Some products don’t mix well, or will ruin certain lenses.  Don’t switch to a new regimen without your doctor’s approval. With that in mind, here are the basic steps for soft contact lens care.

1. Wash your hands. This keeps dirt and germs out of your eyes! Avoid moisturizing soaps, as they can stain lenses. Dry your hands with a lint-free towel.

2. Remove one lens and clean it with the recommended solution. Cleaning removes mineral deposits, cosmetics, and other debris to keep your lenses clear, comfortable and safe. The FDA recommends that you rub the lens in the palm of your hand with a few drops of solution, even if you are using a "no-rub" product.

3. Rinse the lens again to remove the loosened debris, making sure to take as long as the package directs. This is a very important step.

4. Place the lens in your clean lens case and fill with fresh solution. Don’t top-up your old solution. Fresh solution will sterilize the lens. Disinfection time varies by brand; check the package for details.

5. Repeat steps 2 – 4 for your other lens.

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Contact Lens Cleaning Solutions: Listen to Your Doctor!

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All contact lens solutions are not created equal. A cleaning solution that doesn’t match your lenses can cause red, itchy eyes—or even turn your contact lenses brown!  We know it’s tempting to buy the bottle on sale, but it’s vital to use the solution recommended by your eye doctor. Also, make sure to read the fine print closely. It can mean the difference between a carefree life and another trip to the optometrist.

Each type of contact lenses requires a specific mix of cleaning and disinfection agents to keep your eyes healthy. This is balanced with preservatives to keep the solution fresh. No matter what the bottle claims, each solution is different, with unique ingredients that are often proprietary—that is, available to the manufacturer and no one else. And remember, not all solutions can safely be placed into the eye! When prescribing your lenses, your eye doctor knows the cleaning solution that will keep them safe and clear. It might be more expensive than the store brand, but your eyes are priceless.

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Can I Store My Contact Lenses in Water?

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Never store contact lenses in water. Even the purest water contains bacteria and microorganisms that can cause eye infections.

Water won’t disinfect your lenses. They’re made of plastic, which becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens within minutes of contact with water. Water can also cause your contacts to change shape and stick to your eyes, causing pain and blurred vision.

This is the same reason why you should remove your contacts when swimming. It doesn’t matter whether you’re in a pool, lake, or the ocean; microorganisms in the water will go for a ride on your lenses and cause problems later. If you can’t remove your contacts before going for a dip, wear swim goggles to protect your eyes, or dispose of wet lenses immediately after leaving the water.

We can’t stress this enough: water-related contact lens infections can cause permanent eye damage and vision loss, even blindness.  Stick to approved cleaning solutions!