From the Guidelines
Individuals who continue to use contact lenses despite challenges should prioritize proper lens hygiene and care, as outlined in the most recent guidelines from 2024 1.
Key Recommendations
- Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling lenses, as emphasized in the 2024 bacterial keratitis preferred practice pattern 1.
- Clean lenses daily with appropriate contact lens solution, such as multipurpose solutions like Opti-Free PureMoist or hydrogen peroxide systems like Clear Care, and never use tap water or saliva on lenses, as recommended in the 2023 refractive errors preferred practice pattern 1.
- Replace lens cases every three months and follow the recommended replacement schedule for lenses themselves—daily disposables should be discarded after one use, two-week lenses after 14 days, and monthly lenses after 30 days, as suggested in the 2023 refractive errors preferred practice pattern 1.
- Consider using preservative-free artificial tears like Refresh Plus or Systane Ultra PF before inserting lenses and throughout the day to combat dryness, as mentioned in the example answer.
- Reduce wearing time if experiencing discomfort, never sleep in lenses unless specifically prescribed for overnight wear, and attend regular eye exams every 6-12 months, as advised in the 2023 refractive errors preferred practice pattern 1.
Importance of Proper Care
These practices help prevent serious complications like microbial keratitis, corneal ulcers, and eye infections by reducing bacterial contamination and maintaining corneal health, as highlighted in the 2024 bacterial keratitis preferred practice pattern 1 and the 2023 refractive errors preferred practice pattern 1.
Additional Considerations
It is also important to note that overnight wear of contact lenses increases the risk of corneal infections, and daily wear of a rigid gas-permeable lens is associated with the lowest rate of microbial keratitis of any lens type and wearing schedule, as mentioned in the 2023 refractive errors preferred practice pattern 1. In case of a foreign-body sensation in the eye associated with contact lens use, the individual should remove the contact lens, discontinue contact lens use, and seek medical attention, as recommended in the 2024 American Heart Association and American Red Cross guidelines for first aid 1.
From the Research
Recommendations for Individuals who Continue to Use Contact Lenses Despite Facing Challenges
- Individuals who continue to use contact lenses despite facing challenges should prioritize proper lens care and hygiene to minimize the risk of complications, such as microbial keratitis (MK) 2, 3, 4.
- It is essential to follow the recommended lens replacement schedules, avoid sleeping in lenses, and not top off contact lens solutions to reduce the risk of eye infections 3.
- Contact lens wearers should be aware of the potential risks associated with unregulated sources of supply, including over-the-counter lenses, borrowed or shared lenses, and lenses obtained through the Internet 4.
- Eye care providers play a crucial role in educating patients about healthy wear and care habits, and individuals should seek regular check-ups to ensure proper lens fit and care 3.
- For individuals with complex ocular conditions, the medical use of contact lenses can be a solution, and eye care professionals should be aware of the current evidence for the medical use of contact lenses 5.
- New soft contact lens wearers may face challenges such as vision, discomfort, handling, inconvenience, ocular health, and cost, and clinical management strategies can be implemented to minimize these issues and reduce discontinuations 6.