As with corrective single vision glasses, contact lenses are classified as a medical device for vision correction and require a prescription from a licensed eye care professional, such as an ophthalmologist, optician, or optometrist. Like prescription glasses, contact lenses may be worn to restore hyperopia (farsightedness), myopia (nearsightedness), and astigmatism based on an professional eye exam. However, in addition to a proper prescription, the comfort and health of your eyes depend upon safe wearing, cleaning, and storage of your contact lenses.

Contact lenses are available in both hard and soft varieties. Soft and disposable contact lenses are most often prescribed for comfort as they’re made from flexible plastic that encourages the flow of oxygen through the contact lens and cornea, reduces slippage, and allows the user wear in daily, weekly, or monthly durations. Depending on the duration, the wearer is required to clean, store, and discard the contacts upon the expiry date by following these contact lens safety tips:

1. Always handle with clean hands
A lot of dirt and debris can get underneath and on top of a fresh pair of contact lenses, which is why it’s important to handle them with freshly washed hands. Avoid cleansing your hands with highly fragranced soaps, perfumes, or hand moisturizers that can cause eye irritation and potential infections.  

2. Use approved contact solutions
In a pinch, you may be tempted to use tap water or over the counter eye drops to clean your contact lenses. However, using drops and solutions specifically meant for cleaning contact lenses is important.  If you’re unsure, ask your optometrist to recommend a disinfecting contact lens solution that won’t damage your lenses or your eye. Eye drops known as natural tears are the most effective for contact lens wearers.

3. Avoid eye irritants
Remember, even though you clean and store your contact lenses in an airtight container, your hands, fingers, and face can contain contaminants that can irritate your eyes and damage your lenses. Refrain from spraying perfume and hairspray near they eyes when contact lenses are in as chemicals can get trapped under the lens. Also, always put in and take out lenses with clean hands and fingers. You may want to give your nails a trim so you don’t scratch an eye or tear a contact.

4. Don’t sleep with contacts in
Never sleep with daily, weekly, or monthly contact lenses in your eyes unless specified by your eyecare professional. Sleeping with lenses in will dry out your eyes and may irritate the surface of your eye and lead to a nasty infection. If you experience eye redness, irritation, swelling, eye pain, or blurred vision consult with your eyecare professional immediately.

5. Reduce risk of contamination
There are many risks of contamination to your eyes and your contact lenses. For instance, resist the urge to share or lend out your contact lenses with others as you may transfer dirt and risk of infection. Also, be careful to clean your contact lens case and solution bottle as the tip can transfer dirt, oils, and germs very easily.