Did you know that nearly 41 million adults in the U.S. (more than one in ten people) and 125 million people worldwide wear contact lenses? In my house, we all have the need for glasses. I got mine in 7th grade and Bill got his as an adult. My kids have been wearing glasses since they have been 3 years old. When Madison was 10, she asked for contacts, and we got them for her.
Here are a few rules you should follow if you wear contact lenses:
- Only wear your contact lenses as directed by youroptometrists. More than half of Americans wear disposable contact lenses longer than the suggested duration. This bad habit can cause permanent eye damage from bacterial infections and oxygen deprivation! This is why Madison and I wear Dailies. We wear them one day and then throw them out.
- Only buy contact lenses legally. There are many ways to get your hands on contact lenses illegally. Don't. These contact lenses often don’t meet quality and safety standards set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration which is a major concern for optometrists. Why take a chance with one of the most important of our senses?
- Make sure that you are cleaning and rinsing your contact lenses with the proper solutions. You need to remove mucus, secretions, films or deposits that can build up during wearing and lead to bacterial growth. Do not use rewetting drops or tap water to clean your contact lenses. Instead, a multi-purpose solution should be used. I know we get a bottle of solution when we order contacts from your optometrists.
- This next rule sounds like common sense. Always wash and dry your hands before handling your contact lenses. You don't want to be introducing anything to your eyes that shouldn't be there!
- Get yearly comprehensive eye exams. Doctors of optometry can often see indications of potential health problems that can affect the whole body besides the health of your eyes!
Do you wear contacts? Do you have any tips?
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.