Properly used contact lenses can be very safe and convenient. However, many wearers take big risks by avoiding yearly eye exams and over wearing their lenses. Both practices can result in serious damage to your eyes.
Having contacts fitted by an eye care professional is very important because the cornea (clear outer layer of the eye) can vary in shape, and eyelids interact with contact lenses in different ways.
When fitting an individual for new contact lenses the doctor uses results from testing and careful examination to determine which lens type will offer optimal fit and vision. After having the patient try on a set of test lenses the doctor analyzes how they interact with the eye and whether they fit properly.
Examination by slit-lamp microscope is particularly important because even if lenses feel fine to a patient, fit may be improper and even potentially dangerous.

Guidelines for Proper Care of your contact lenses
1. Follow the directions that come with your lenses. If you didn’t get a patient information booklet about your lenses request it from your eye care practitioner.
2. Use only the types of lens care enzyme cleaners and saline solutions your practitioner okays
3. Be exact in following the directions that come with each lens care product. If you have questions, ask your practitioner or pharmacist.
4. Wash and rinse your hands before handling lenses. Fragrance free soap is best.
5. Clean, rinse and disinfect reusable lenses each time they are removed, even if this is several times a day.
6. Clean, rinse and disinfect again if storage lasts longer than allowed by your disinfecting solution
7. Clean, rinse and air dry the lens case each time you remove the lenses. Then put in fresh solution. Replace the case every six months.
8. Get your practitioner’s okay before taking medicines or using topical eye products, even those you buy with out a prescription.
9. Remove your lenses and call your doctor right away if you have vision changes, redness of the eye, eye discomfort or pain or excessive tearing.

Improper Care
1. Never use saliva to wet your lenses
2. Never use tap water, distilled water or saline solution made at home with salt tablets for any part of your lens care. Use only commercial sterile saline solution.
3. Never mix different brands of cleaner or solutions
4. Never change your lens care regimen or products without practitioner’s okay.
5. Never let cosmetic lotions, creams or sprays touch your lenses.
6. Never wear lenses when swimming or in a hot tub.
7. Never wear daily wear lenses during sleep, not even a nap.
8. Never wear your lenses longer than prescribed by your eye care practitioner.