If you wear or want to wear contacts, Dr. Kirk will perform special tests during a contact lens exam to evaluate your vision with contacts. The first test will measure your eye surface to determine what size and type of contacts are best for you. She may also do a tear film evaluation to make sure you have enough tears to comfortably wear contacts. With the results of those tests, Dr. Kirk can provide a contact lens prescription that is the right fit for your eyes. An improper fitting or prescription of contacts can damage the health of the eyes.
The American Optometric Association offers the following recommendations for contact lens wearers:
- Always wash and thoroughly dry your hands before handling contact lenses.
- Carefully and regularly clean contact lenses as directed by your optometrist. Rub the contact lenses with your fingers and rinse them thoroughly before soaking the lenses overnight in multipurpose solution that completely covers each lens.
- Store lenses in the proper lens storage case, and replace the case at least every three months. Clean the case after each use, and keep it open and dry between cleanings.
- Use only products recommended by your optometrist to clean and disinfect your lenses. Saline solution and rewetting drops do not disinfect lenses.
- Use only fresh solution to clean and store contact lenses. Never reuse old solution. Change the contact lens solution according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, even if you don’t use the lenses daily.
- Always follow the recommended contact lens replacement schedule your optometrist prescribes.
- Remove contact lenses before swimming or entering a hot tub.
- See your optometrist for your regularly scheduled contact lens and eye examination.
https://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/caring-for-your-vision/contact-lenses