How to Care for Your Specialty Contact Lenses: Tips and Best Practices

How to Care for Your Specialty Contact Lenses: Tips and Best Practices

Specialty contact lenses, like gas permeable (GP) lenses, or multifocal lenses, provide incredible vision correction and comfort for those with unique eye conditions. But these lenses require specific care to maintain their longevity and effectiveness. Whether you’re new to specialty contacts or looking for a refresher, here are some essential tips and best practices to keep your lenses—and your eyes—in top condition.

Clean Your Lenses Daily

A daily cleaning routine is essential to remove proteins, oils, and other deposits that can accumulate on your lenses. Use only the cleaning solution recommended by your eye care provider. Here’s a basic cleaning routine to follow:
 

•          Rinse and Rub: Start by thoroughly washing and drying your hands with a lint-free towel. Place a few drops of cleaning solution on each lens and gently rub them to remove debris.
 

•          Rinse: Rinse the lenses with fresh cleaning solution, never with tap water, which may introduce harmful microorganisms.
 

•          Soak: Place your lenses in a storage case with fresh solution to disinfect them. Remember to change the solution daily and never reuse it.

Properly Store Your Lenses

Your storage case is as important as the lenses themselves. Replace the case every one to three months to reduce bacterial buildup. Avoid using tap water or saliva to clean your lenses or your storage case, as they can introduce harmful bacteria. Instead, use only approved contact lens solutions to rinse, disinfect, and store your lenses.

Be Mindful of the Expiration Date on Solutions

Contact lens solutions have expiration dates for a reason—using an expired solution may not effectively clean your lenses. Always check the expiration date on your cleaning and disinfecting solutions and replace them as needed.

Keep Your Hands Clean

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling your lenses. Avoid moisturizing soaps, as they can leave a residue on your lenses. Dry your hands with a lint-free towel to prevent tiny fibers from sticking to the lenses.

Follow Your Replacement Schedule

Specialty lenses have unique replacement schedules that your optometrist will provide. Some may need to be replaced annually, while others may require more frequent changes. Sticking to this schedule helps keep your lenses in good condition and ensures optimal eye health.

Limit Lens Wear Time

Although specialty contact lenses are designed for comfort, it’s still important to give your eyes a break. Avoid wearing your lenses overnight unless specifically instructed by your eye doctor, as this increases the risk of infection.

Schedule Regular Checkups with Your Eye Doctor

Regular follow-up appointments are essential for ensuring that your lenses continue to fit well and your eyes remain healthy. These appointments allow your eye doctor to monitor the health of your eyes, address any issues, and make necessary adjustments to your lenses.

Know the Signs of Lens Problems

If you experience discomfort, redness, excessive tearing, or blurry vision, it may indicate that your lenses need cleaning, replacing, or that there’s an underlying issue. Never ignore these signs; contact your eye doctor for guidance.

Get in Touch with Eyecare Associates Optometric Group Today

Specialty contact lenses are an investment in your eye health and vision quality. With proper care and maintenance, you can keep them in excellent condition and enjoy clear, comfortable vision for years to come. By following these best practices, you’re prioritizing not only your lenses but also your overall eye health.

For more personalized advice on how make the most of your specialty contacts, schedule a consultation with Eyecare Associates Optometric Group. Visit our office in Azusa, California, or call (626) 804-3266 book an appointment today.