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Contact Lens Infection guidelines

18 March 2008

The November 2007 edition of the journal Clinical and Experimental Optometry discussed risk factors for infections in contact lens wearers.  Their 'nine most important instructions' for minimising risk of infections were given as:

1. Thoroughly wash and dry hands with a clean lint-free towel every time contact lenses are handled.
2. Never use tap water with contact lenses.
3. Fresh contact lens solution should be used every day.
4. Contact lens cases should be rinsed with fresh solution and left to air-dry daily.
5. Contact lens cases should be replaced on a regular basis.
6. If swimming, use goggles.
7. Try not to splash water on the surface of your contact lenses in the shower or spa.
8. For contact lenses prescribed for overnight wear: Do not sleep in your lenses if you or a family member has a cold or is unwell.
9. If an eye becomes red, sore or irritable, take the lenses out and seek your practitioner's advice immediately, especially if symptoms persist.  For overnight contact lens wearers: NEVER sleep in lenses with these symptoms.

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