Contact Lenses

Contact Lens FAQs

Q: Can I wear my sister’s lenses?
A: Contact lenses are available only by prescription for a reason. You need to see your eye doctor to find out if it’s safe for you to wear contact lenses. Even if you’ve already been told it is okay to wear them, there are several good reasons to avoid wearing someone else’s contact lenses. If you are thinking of wearing contact lenses your sister has already worn, forget it! Even if she has disposable lenses, chances are good that your eyes and your sister’s don’t have the same prescription, which means you won’t see properly with her lenses and they could seriously injure you. If you want to try contact lenses, your doctor can easily set you up with a trial pair.

Q: Sometimes my roommate sleeps in his lenses. Is that okay?
A: There are all kinds of contact lenses. Some let more oxygen reach your eye, so they are safer. Unless you are wearing contact lenses designed for continuous wear and your doctor has told you that it is okay to sleep in your lenses, you should not sleep in them. Your eye doctor will prescribe the type of lens and wearing schedule that are best for you and your eye health.

Q: The generic version of my solution is cheaper. They are the same, right?
A: Not really. The packaging might say “Compare to…” (Your brand), but that does not mean they are identical. The composition of generic (store brand) products can change depending on the company the store contracts with to produce it. These subtle formulation differences can affect healthy, comfortable contact lens wear. Serious eye infections caused by certain brands of lens solutions have been in the news recently.

Q: My eyes look so bloodshot. How can I make them look better?
A: Dry, red eyes are never normal. See your eye doctor for a diagnosis. Your doctor can treat these problems – usually without having you stop wearing your lenses – and will find a convenient schedule that fits your lifestyle.

Q: My friend’s doctor says she got an infection because she didn’t handle her lenses properly. What does that mean?
A: Contact lenses are a safe form of vision correction when used as directed. But they are considered medical devices, and improper care of your contact lenses could lead to infection. Hygiene plays a key role in contact lens safety. Contact lens wearers need to keep their hands, contact lens case and lenses clean. Clean your contact lenses immediately after you remove them from your eye, and always clean and disinfect your lenses according to the manufacturer’s directions. Always use fresh solution each time you put the lenses back in the case. “Topping off” is not a healthy practice. Your eye doctor will tell you how often to replace the case. New ones are available at any pharmacy and often at your doctor’s office. Finally, follow your doctor’s instructions. Replace your contact lenses as often as your doctor prescribes, even if you are using proper hygiene. Don’t wait for your lenses to start to irritate your eyes and “bother” you. The idea is to replace the lenses on a regular basis to help you stay safe, comfortable and seeing great all the time. Always use the solutions your eye doctor prescribes, too. If you switch solutions, you could experience problems, including lens discomfort.

Q: I think I’m cleaning and disinfecting my lenses correctly, but how would I recognize an infection?
A: As long as you are following your doctor’s instructions, your lenses should be clean, safe and comfortable. But any time you think you may have an eye-related problem, you should remove your contact lenses and call your doctor right away.

These are the symptoms of eye infections:

• Sudden blurred vision
• Red, irritated eyes
• Uncomfortable lenses
• Pain in and around the eyes

Be sure to see your doctor immediately if you have any of these symptoms and you do not feel better right away after removing your contact lenses. Infections are easily avoidable and typically minor. If you get one, your doctor will help.