How to Take Care of Contacts

Over 24 million people wore contact lenses in 2010, according to the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center. Contact lenses are thin, plastic disks designed to cover the front of your eye. While some wear contacts to correct eye conditions such as near and farsightedness, distorted vision and the need for bifocals, others wear the lenses solely for cosmetic reasons such as changing eye color. Contacts are an alternative to glasses and with proper care, are a safe way to correct vision.

Instructions

• 1

  Wash your hands with warm water and soap and dry them with a clean towel. Do this each time before handling your contact lenses.

• 2

  Clean your contacts after each use. Use only a sterile solution to cleanse your lenses and allow the lenses to air dry. Do not use a homemade solution or place your lenses in your mouth to cleanse them. Store your lenses in the manner recommended by the manufacturer or your doctor.

• 3

  Rinse your contact case with warm water and allow it to dry. Do this each time you remove your lenses from the case. Replace your contact case every three to six months.

• 4

  Wear your contact lenses exactly as your doctor has recommended. Do not wear your contacts longer than the period recommended by your doctor. Do not wear your contact lenses to sleep unless they are "Extended Wear" lenses. If you accidentally fall asleep with your lenses in, apply eye drops and wait until the contacts are moistened before removal. Discard your contact lenses within the recommended time period.

• 5

  Put your contacts in before applying makeup. Remove your contact lenses after you have removed your makeup and washed and dried your hands. Use eye makeup that is safe for contact wearers. Do not allow your contacts to come into contact with your makeup, lotions, creams or sprays. Remove your contact lenses before swimming or using a hot tub.

• 6

  Do not allow another person to wear your contacts. Do not use your contact lenses if another person has worn them as this can cause infection.

• 7

  Remove your contacts immediately if you detect signs of infection. This includes eye redness, burning or excessive tearing.