Guides for Using Contact Lenses

Who Should NOT Wear Contact Lenses?
Most people who need vision correction can wear contact lenses, but there are some exceptions. Some of the conditions that might keep you from wearing contact lenses are: frequent eye infections, severe allergies, dry eye (improper tear film), a work environment that is very dusty or dirty and inability to handle and care for the lenses properly.

Are Contacts For You?
Whether or not contact lenses are a good choice for you depends on:

• individual needs and expectations
• patience and motivation during the initial adjustment period to contact lens wear.
• adhering to contact lens guidelines for wear, disinfecting and cleaning
• diagnosis and treatment of conditions that may prevent contact lens wear

How Do You Care For Them?

• Contact lenses must be properly cleaned and disinfected when you remove them to kill germs and prevent infections
• At the time you insert your contact lenses, you should thoroughly rinse the case with warm water and allow it to dry. All contact lens cases need frequent cleaning, including disposable lens cases.
• Do not put your lens in your mouth and then in your eye
• Do not use homemade cleaning solutions, they have been linked to serious eye infections
• Do not attempt to sterilize disposable lenses - throw them away
• Do not mix different brands of solutions
• Any eye drops, even nonprescription ones, can interact with all types of contact lenses. Use the brand of solution prescribed by our doctor or check with the doctor before changing brands

Wear Your Lenses Properly

• Wash your hands with soap prior to handling contact lenses or touching your eye
• Do not share your lenses with someone else
• Do not take your lenses in and out repeatedly throughout the day
• Do not use fashion lenses (non-prescription color lenses) unless they are fitted by an optometrist or an ophthalmologist
• Do not purchase bootleg lenses
• Wear lenses on the schedule prescribed by your doctor
• Dispose of your lenses at the interval prescribed by your doctor

Call Your Doctor When You Notice These Symptoms

• Your eye is painful
• Your eye is red for more than two days
• You have discharge from your eye
• You have blurry vision
• Your eye feels scratchy

For more information about contact lenses, contact the Contact Lens Clinic at the U-M Kellogg Eye Center (734) 764-5106.