Top Ten Ways to Avoid Eye Infections

With some healthy habits in practice, you can limit the chances of having an eye infection.

eye-infection

Here are the ten best ways for contact lens wearers to avoid infection:

1. Take Your Contacts Out Overnight.

Even if you wear extended wear contact lenses, you’ll benefit from giving your eyes the overnight time to recover. Soak your lenses in disinfecting solution while you have them out so they’ll be clean when you put them back in.

2. Wash Your Hands.

This should be a given. But, don’t put your hands in or near your eyes unless you’ve used soap and water on those fingers!

3. Carry Saline Solution With You.

If you lose a lens, you’ll be able to clean and put them back in your eye safely. Saline also makes a good rewetting solution in a pinch.

4. Minimize Wearing Your Lenses in Water.

Sometimes, microscopic bacteria can exist in water. Though the risk is small, removing your lenses before you swim or shower eliminates a lot of the risk. Prescription goggles are great if your vision

5. Read the Directions.

Use your solutions like the manufacturer intends them to be used. Rub if it says rub, and rinse if it says rinse. Don’t reuse contact lens solutions, no matter what.

6. Don’t Wear Old Lenses.

Pay attention to how long you’ve had them in, as well as the expiration date on the package.

7. Don’t Use Old Solutions.

Again, read the expiration date on package.

8. Get Regular Eye Exams.

It’s recommended contact wearers have an eye exam annually.

9. Don’t Wear Lenses When You are Sick.

If your eyes are red or became red while you had your lenses in, then take them out until your eyes are completely healthy again. If you wore contact lenses and later find out you had a bacteria based illness like pink eye, you’ll want to throw those contacts away and get a new pair.

10. Wear Sunglasses.

If you’re outside in the sun or participating in sports, a great pair of sunglasses can help keep the outdoor particles from getting into your eyes and causing irritation which could lead to infection if not handled properly.

Ask your America’s Best optometrist for other tips to keep your eyes healthy and happy in your contact lenses.

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