Contact lenses are the number one choice for many people with vision correction needs. For many, they provide flexibility and convenience. Whatever your needs, from lenses for astigmatism, colored lenses, Corneal Refractive Therapy Lenses (CRT), bifocals, or daily contacts, we have them all in one place.

Recommendations from the American Optometric Association

1. Always wash your hands before handling contact lenses.
2. Carefully and regularly clean contact lenses, as directed by your optometrist. Rub them with your fingers and rinse thoroughly before soaking overnight in a sufficient multi-purpose solution to cover the lens.
3. Store in the proper lens storage case and replace the case at a minimum of every three months.
4. Clean the case after each use. Keep it open and dry between cleanings.
5. Use only products recommended by your optometrist to clean and disinfect your lenses. Saline solution and rewetting drops are not designed to disinfect lenses.
6. Only fresh solution should be used to clean and store contact lenses. Never re-use old solution. The solution must be changed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, even if the lenses are not used daily.
7. Always follow the recommended replacement schedule prescribed by your optometrist.
8. Remove contact lenses before swimming or entering a hot tub.
9. See your optometrist for your regularly scheduled eye examination.

Things To Remember About Contact Lenses

• When compared with glasses, they require a longer initial examination, more follow-up visits to maintain eye health, and more time for care.
• If you are going to wear your lenses successfully, you will have to clean and store them properly.
• Adhere to lens-wearing schedules and make follow-up care appointments.
• If you are wearing disposable or planned replacement lenses, you will have to follow the schedule for throwing away used lenses carefully.

Monovision

Monovision is a treatment technique that is often prescribed for people ages 40 and older affected by presbyopia. Presbyopia occurs when, as part of the natural aging process, the eye’s crystalline lens loses its ability to bring close objects into clear focus. Monovision means wearing a contact lens for near vision on one eye.

If needed, a lens for distance vision on the other eye. Most people who try monovision can adjust to it. Alternative treatments for presbyopia include a combination of contact lenses and reading glasses. Your doctor may also prescribe bifocals.

Dos & Don’ts of Wearing Contact Lenses

Get started right by going to a doctor who provides full-service care. Full-service care may include a thorough eye examination, an evaluation of your suitability for contact lens wearing, the lenses, necessary care kits, individual care instructions, and follow-up visits over a specified time. The initial visit and examination can take an hour or longer.

Here is a list of dos & don’ts:

Do

• Always wash your hands before handling contact lenses.
• Carefully and regularly clean contact lenses, as directed by your optometrist. If recommended, rub the contact lenses with fingers and rinse thoroughly before soaking lenses overnight in a sufficient multi-purpose solution to cover the lens completely.
• Store lenses in the proper lens storage case and replace the case at a minimum of every three months. Clean the case after each use, and keep it open and dry between cleanings.
• Only fresh solution should be used to clean and store lenses. Never re-use old solution. The solution must be changed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, even if the lenses are not used daily.
• Always follow the recommended contact lens replacement schedule prescribed by your optometrist.
• Remove contact lenses before swimming or entering a hot tub.
• Avoid tap water to wash or store lenses or cases.
• See your optometrist for your regularly scheduled contact lens and eye examination.

Don’t

• Use cream soaps. They can leave a film on your hands that can transfer to the lenses.
• Use homemade saline solutions. Improper use of homemade saline solutions has been linked with a potentially blinding condition among soft lens wearers.
• Put contact lenses in your mouth or moisten them with saliva, full of bacteria and a potential infection source.
• Use tap water to wash or store contact lenses or lens cases.
• Share lenses with others.
• Use products not recommended by your optometrist to clean and disinfect your lenses. Saline solution and rewetting drops are not designed to disinfect lenses.