Patient Resources

Specialty contact lenses can feel and look a bit different than typical styles. Staying informed can maximize chances of a positive experience with your contact lenses.

There are various resources online that you can look to for guidance surrounding your ocular health and vision. We recommend gathering information from trusted sources, such as the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Optometrists Association.

Taking care of your contact lenses will help to minimize the risk of infection and irritation associated with contact lens wear. Here are some basic guidelines you should be following:

• Always clean and disinfect your contact lenses when you take them out and before you put them back in.
• If you wear disposable lenses, follow the recommended schedule, and don’t wear them longer than intended.
• Unless otherwise directed, don’t wear daily lenses overnight while you sleep.
• Remove your contact lenses before showering or swimming.
• Always wash your hands before handling your contact lenses.
• Always use a sterile contact solution to rinse and store your lenses.
  • Do not use saliva
  • Do not use water
  • Do not use homemade saline solution
• Do not use a saline solution as a disinfectant. Ask your eye care provider if you need recommendations for contact lens solutions.
• Always use new lens solution each time you clean and disinfect your lenses.
• Keep your contact lens case clean and replace it every 3 months.
• Visit your optometrist regularly to ensure your contacts are fitting correctly and continue to meet your visual needs

Contacts that are old or ill-fitted can cause significant damage to your eyes, including vision loss. We recommend only using eye drops as directed by your doctor as some types of eye drops may cause problems with your contacts.

If your contact lenses become damaged or painful to wear, remove them immediately. Signs of irritation and infection include red, sore, or watery eyes.

Blurry vision or discharge may also indicate a severe problem is developing and should be addressed immediately. Additionally, sensitivity to light may also be a sign of an issue.

We’ve gathered some useful links if you’d like more information on proper contact lens care and maintenance:

• Basic Contact Lens Information

• Contact Lens Safety

• Caring for Gas Permeable Contact Lenses – 1

• Caring for Gas Permeable Contact Lenses – 2

• Insertion, Removal, & Troubleshooting for Scleral Lenses

• Scleral Lens Handling Guide

We are always here to help you with any questions you may have. Please don’t hesitate to contact us!