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When soft contact lenses first came on the scene, the ocular community went wild.

People no longer had to put up with the initial discomfort of hard lenses, and a more frequent replacement schedule surely meant better overall health for the eye, right?

In many cases this was so. The first soft lenses were made of a material called HEMA, a plastic-like polymer that made the lenses very soft and comfortable. The downside to this material was that it didn’t allow very much oxygen to the cornea (significantly less than the hard lenses), which bred a different line of health risks to the eye.

As contact lens companies tried to deal with these new issues, they started to create lenses that you not only replaced more frequently, but also the materials themselves changed from HEMA to SiHy, or silicone hydrogel. The oxygen transmission problem was solved, but an interesting new phenomenon occurred.

Because these were supposed to be the “healthiest” lenses ever created, many people started to over wear their lenses, which led things, such as inflamed, red, itchy eyes; corneal ulcers; and hypoxia (lack of oxygen) from sleeping with their lenses in at night. A new solution was needed.

Thus was born the daily disposable contact lens, which is now the go-to lens recommendation of most eye care practitioners.

Daily disposables (dailies) are for one-time use, and therefore there is no risk of over wear, lack of oxygen, or any other negative effect of extended wear (2-week or monthly) contacts. While up-front costs of dailies are higher than their counterparts, there are significant savings in terms of manufacturer rebates. In addition, buying contact lens solution is no longer necessary!

While a very small minority of patient prescriptions are not yet available in dailies, the clear majority are, and it has worked wonders for patients who have failed in other contacts, especially those who have dry eyes.

Ask your eye care professional how dailies might be the right fit for you.

Article contributed by Dr. Jonathan Gerard

This blog provides general information and discussion about eye health and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately licensed physician. The content of this blog cannot be reproduced or duplicated without the express written consent of Eye IQ.

Hygiene is critical to wearing your contact lenses

Contact lenses can significantly improve your vision but it’s very important to care for them properly to avoid potentially serious infections or other problems.

Your habits, supplies, and eye doctor are all essential to keeping your eyes healthy so it’s important to follow instructions for proper care and to call us if you have concerns. 

These recommendations will help extend the life of your contact lenses and keep your eyes safe and healthy. 

Your lens insertion and removal routine

• Before you handle contacts, wash and rinse your hands with a mild soap.
• Make sure the soap doesn’t have perfumes, oils, or lotions. They can leave a film on your hands.
• Dry your hands with a clean, lint-free towel before touching your contacts.
• It’s a good idea to keep your fingernails short and smooth so you won't damage your lenses or scratch your eye when inserting or removing your contacts.
• Lightly rubbing your contact in the palm of your hand with a few drops of solution helps remove surface build-up.
• Rinse your lenses thoroughly with a recommended solution before soaking the contacts overnight in a multi-purpose solution that completely covers each lens.
• Store lenses in the proper lens storage case.
• Don't use tap water or saliva to wash or store contact lenses or lens cases.
• If you use hair spray, use it before you put in your contacts.
• Put on eye makeup after you put in your lenses. Take them out before you remove makeup.
• Always follow the recommended contact lens replacement and wearing schedule prescribed.

Your supplies

• Use doctor-recommended solution.
• Rub and rinse your contact lens case with sterile contact lens solution. Never use water.
• Clean the case after each use.
• Replace your contact lens case at least once every three months. 
• Don’t “top off” solution. Use only fresh contact lens disinfecting solution in your case. 
• Never mix fresh solution with the old or used solution.
• Change your contact lens solution according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Your eye doctor

• Visit us yearly or as often as recommended.
• Ask us if you have questions about how to care for your contacts and case or if you are having any difficulties.
• Remove your contact lenses immediately if your eyes become irritated. Call us and let us know what’s going on.
• Call us if you have any sudden vision loss, blurred vision that doesn’t get better, light flashes, eye pain, infection, swelling, unusual redness, or irritation. 

Wear your contacts safely

• Some contacts need special care and products. Always use the disinfecting solution, eye drops, and enzymatic cleaners your doctor recommends. Some eye products or eye drops aren’t safe for contact wearers.
• Saline solution and rewetting drops do not disinfect lenses.
• Use a rewetting solution or plain saline solution to keep your eyes moist.
• Don’t wear your contacts when you go swimming in a pool or at the beach.
• Don't sleep in your contact lenses unless prescribed by your eye doctor.
• Don’t clean or store your contacts in water.
• See us for your regularly scheduled contact lens and eye examination.
• If you think you’ll have trouble remembering when to change your lenses, ask for a chart to track your schedule or make one for your needs.

Be sure to call us if you have any questions about caring for your contact lenses or if you’re eyes are having problems.