Protect Your Eyes With These Contact Lens Safety Tips

Contact lenses have an excellent safety record – as long as the wearer carefully follows their eye doctor's instructions. October is Contact Lens Safety Month, so there's no better time to brush up on safety tips to keep your eyes and vision healthy while wearing contact lenses!

If you have further questions, need to update your prescriptions, get an eye exam or are considering a new brand or type of contact lens, contact EyeCare Professionals of Powell in Powell today.

How to Take Care of Contact Lenses

If you wear contact lenses, you know how convenient and freeing they can be. No worrying about breaking your glasses while playing sports or having them fog up in the rain or cold. Even so, it's vital to care for your lenses correctly.

• Wash your hands with soap and water, then dry them with a paper towel or lint-free towel before handling your lenses
• Clean and disinfect non-disposable lenses according to the directions of the manufacturer or your eye doctor
• Never sleep in your contact lenses (unless they're specifically designed for overnight use)
• Never wear lenses that are damaged or torn
• Avoid contact with water (such as swimming or showering) while wearing contact lenses
• See your eye doctor regularly for eye checkups

If you develop symptoms such as redness, pain, or blurred vision, contact EyeCare Professionals of Powell to schedule an appointment.

Are All Contact Lenses Safe?

All contact prescription contact lenses are safe, provided the person wearing them cares for them properly. While having clean hands is a must for any type of contacts, disposable daily lenses don't require maintenance. Single-use lenses are a great option because you can just toss them away after each use.

The Dangers of Decorative (Costume) Lenses

Did you know that the decorative lenses many people wear on Halloween and at parties can be dangerous to your eye health?

1. It's illegal to buy and sell contact lenses without a prescription according to the FDA. That includes cosmetic lenses, even if they don't correct your vision.
2. Decorative contact lenses can cause serious bacterial and fungal infections.
3. Non-prescription contact lenses can cause corneal ulcers, which are open sores on the eye.
4. All of the above can result in permanent vision loss.

This is why it's crucial to wear only lenses that have been prescribed and fitted by your optometrist. We invite you to visit EyeCare Professionals of Powell in Powell for all your eye care concerns.