Tips on contact lens care

Content provided by Healthwise

The following tips can help you keep your contacts clean and safe, which will help keep your eyes healthy and your vision as clear as possible.

Carefully follow the cleaning instructions for your lenses. Keep your lenses and all supplies very clean. Always wash and rinse your hands thoroughly before inserting or removing lenses. Do not apply hand lotion before handling your contacts.
Always rinse the lens storage case and let it air-dry to avoid contamination.
Insert your lenses before applying makeup. Take care not to get makeup on the lenses. Replace eye makeup (especially mascara) every 3 to 6 months to reduce the risk of contamination. Do not apply makeup to the inner rim of the eyelid.
Use the lens care system your eye specialist recommends. Do not mix products because they may not be compatible. Never use homemade saline solutions.
Never wet your lenses with saliva or place lenses in your mouth. The bacteria that are naturally present in your mouth may cause an eye infection.
Never use tap water to rinse or store your lenses.

Credits

Author	Robin Parks, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor	Michele Cronen
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Carol L. Karp, MD - Ophthalmology
Last Updated	July 7, 2007

Last updated:	July 07, 2007
Author:	Robin Parks, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Carol L. Karp, MD - Ophthalmology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman

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