CONTACT LENSES - CAUTIONS
More than 30 million Americans use contact lenses, according to the Contact Lens Council. Contact Lenses offer flexibility, convenience, and a "no-glasses" appearance. They are used to correct a variety of vision disorders, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and poor focusing with reading material.
“Because they are worn directly on the eye, they can lead to conditions such as eye infections and corneal ulcers," says James Saviola, Branch Chief for FDA's Division of Ophthalmic and Ear, Nose and Throat Devices. "These conditions can develop very quickly and can be very serious. In rare cases, they can lead to blindness." The best strategies for contact lens safety involve cleanliness, proper maintenance, and education about the care of your lenses.
Contact lens users run the risk of infections such as pink eye (conjunctivitis), corneal abrasions, and eye irritation. A common result of eye infection is corneal ulcers, which are open sores in the outer layer of the cornea. Many of these complications can be avoided through everyday care of the eye and contact-lenses. To reduce your chances of infection, it is advisable to:
- Replace your contact lens storage case every 3-6 months.
- Clean and disinfect your lenses properly.
- Remove your contact lenses before swimming.
- Always use fresh contact lens solution. Never reuse the lens solution.
- Avoid non-sterile water. Distilled water and tap water are not sterile and should not be used.
- Never use homemade saline solution, as tap and distilled water are not sterile.
- Never transfer contact lens solutions into smaller travel size containers. This can affect sterility and may also leave you open to accidentally applying a harmful liquid to your eyes.
- Never put your lenses in your mouth; saliva is not sterile.
