Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 2: Taking precautions when using contact lenses
• Part 2 of 2: Knowing when to seek medical attention

Contact lenses are a lot more convenient for many people than glasses, especially if you like to be active and find that your glasses get in the way during sports and other activities. However, the risk of getting an eye infection is higher with contact lenses. That's why it's important to know what to do to prevent an eye infection, as well as when to seek medical attention and see your doctor.

To step

Part 1 of 2: Taking precautions when using contact lenses

1. Take the right steps to prevent an eye infection. For example, it is important to have your eyes examined regularly. This way, your doctor can make sure you have contact lenses that fit properly. Your doctor can also assess the overall health of your eyes and screen you for possible infections.
   • It is also important to put on new contact lenses as often as your eye doctor or optician recommends.
2. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry them before handling your lenses. Your daily activities can easily cause bacteria to build up on your hands during the day. So it is very important to wash your hands well before putting in or taking off your lenses to avoid infection.
3. Clean your lenses according to the manufacturer's directions and follow the directions given by your doctor. When cleaning and storing your lenses, you must use new (disinfecting) cleaning fluid every time. Make sure you do not reuse old liquid and do not mix a new amount of liquid with old liquid. Never use saline solution to disinfect your lenses.
4. Store reusable lenses in the correct lens case. Lens cases should be rinsed with sterile lens cleaning fluid and then left open to dry. Never use tap water for cleaning. Replace your lens cases once every three months.
5. Do not sleep while wearing your contact lenses. Sleeping with your lenses increases the risk of infection. Your cornea is also more likely to be damaged and more likely to be scratched. Even the lenses that you can wear longer are best taken off at night, because it is still possible to get an infection with them.
6. Do not swim, bathe, or shower while wearing your lenses. There may be bacteria in the water, and taking a shower can make it easier for bacteria from your skin and other areas to get into your eyes. It is therefore advised to always remove your lenses when you are in the water.
   • If you really need to wear lenses when in the water (for example, when swimming), wear goggles and make sure to thoroughly clean and disinfect your lenses afterwards.

Part 2 of 2: Knowing when to seek medical attention

1. Recognize the signs and symptoms of an eye infection. See an eye doctor immediately if any of the following are involved:
   • Blurred vision
   • Excessive tearing
   • Eye pain
   • Photosensitivity
   • The feeling that you have something in your eye
   • Swelling, unusual red patches or irritation in the eye
2. Know that the choice of treatment depends on the causes of your eye infection. Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics, viral infections with antiviral drugs, and fungal infections with antifungal drugs.
   • An eye infection is usually treated with eye drops that your doctor prescribes. Your doctor will tell you how many drops to put in your eyes and how often to do this. He or she will also be able to tell you when the infection is about to be cured. The prescription for the eye drops will depend on the type of eye infection you have.
   • If the infection hasn't healed within a few days to a week (or your symptoms get worse), schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctor to make sure nothing is more serious.
3. Understand that in addition to treating the underlying infection, doctors may occasionally prescribe steroid eye drops for the eyes. This depends on how severe the infection is, as topical steroids can sometimes help reduce inflammation and redness in the eyes.