(NewsUSA) - Do your contact lenses ever feel uncomfortable when you wear them? Proper eye care hygiene is an easy way to help ensure healthy looking eyes and a comfortable contact lens wearing experience.
Stop topping off your contact lens solution.
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The solution to your contact lens issues could be right in front of you -- in your lens care solution! According to a recent survey conducted by Wakefield Research and sponsored by Alcon, a third of contact lens wearers surveyed admit to sometimes reusing contact lens solution. It doesn't take long for bacteria and fungus to grow in your contact lens case if you reuse yesterday's contact lens solution. Clean your contact lens case with new solution every time you use it, and allow the case to air dry. Once it is dry, refill (not top off!) your solution.
Wash your irritation down the drain.
During the day, germs and bacteria gather on our hands. If you don't wash your hands prior to handling your contact lenses, you could be transferring those germs to your eyes. Make it a habit to wash your hands before handling your contact lenses to reduce the chance of getting an eye infection.
Say no to H2O.
Never use tap water directly on contact lenses or put them in your mouth for a quick cleanse. Microorganisms live in water, and saliva is never a sterile solution. Exposing contact lenses to tap water or saliva can result in an eye infection.
Take time to reboot.
Staring at a computer screen for hours can cause strain on your eyes, so be sure to blink more frequently. Add in as many blinks throughout your day as possible so your lenses feel less dry. If your contact lenses feel especially dry, you can also use re-wetting drops.
Get rid of the old and embrace the new.
Using contact lenses longer than directed by the product instructions or your eye care professional can lead to discomfort and complications. Always consult your eye care professional about the proper time to replace your contact lenses.
Taking proper care of your contact lenses and eyes is not only important, but easy! If your eye discomfort persists, be sure to schedule an appointment with your eye care professional.