Contact Lens wear – infection

A recent study indicated that 99% of contact lens wearers have behavior that puts them at risk of contact lens (CL) related eye infection.

If you are a CL wearer what can you do to lessen the chance of infection?  Use good hygiene when handling your CL.  Make sure your hands are clean prior to touching your CL’s or your eyes.  Regularly clean and replace your CL storage case.

Not using water to clean the lens case.  As water and CL do not mix, as these water-borne organisms gram-negative bacterium Pseudomonas and acanthamoeba pose a risk of significant infection.

Use daily disposable lenses as they do not need to be stored or cleaned and are less likely to be linked to infection.

Reduce or stop overnight wear.

Change your storage case at least every 3 months.

Ensure the cleaning case is cleaned with the CL solution and left to dry the case down.

Wash your hands thoroughly and dry with a clean towel or paper towel.