Contact lenses are a great alternative if you don't like wearing glasses. Contacts are convenient and easy to use, but it's important to remember that they're medical devices and should be treated as such. Here are some tips to help you care for your contact lenses:

1. Keep your contacts clean.

If you wear contacts, clean them daily with an appropriate cleansing solution. Be sure to read the directions on the box before cleaning your contacts for the first time, since the instructions can vary between brands. Always rub your contacts gently with the cleansing solution before storing them; the friction helps to loosen protein deposits from the lenses.

2. Don't sleep in contacts.

Never sleep in your contacts. Contacts are a barrier, which prevents oxygen from reaching your eye, so it's important to give your eyes a rest at night. Sleeping in contacts can cause irritation, dryness, and even infections. If you must sleep in contacts, discuss overnight contacts with your optometrist so they can prescribe you a specialty brand designed for that purpose.

3. Keep contacts away from water.

Take your contacts out before showering or swimming. Water holds bacteria that can get into your contacts and cause an infection, according to All About Vision. Water can also cause contact lenses to tighten on your eye, which can be painful.

4. Use proper solutions to rinse contacts.

Never rinse your contacts with plain water or saliva. If you want to rinse your contacts before putting them in your eyes, use a sterile saline solution designed for that purpose. If your eyes get dry during the day, use eye drops formulated for contact lens wearers. Don't use "brightening" eye drops, since they contain medication that can get trapped in porous contacts.

5. Visit your optometrist annually.

It's important to visit your optometrist for your yearly eye exam. Your doctor will test your vision to check if your prescription has changed. He'll visually examine your contacts to make sure they're clean and well-fitting. Your doctor will also perform tests on your eyes to make sure that they're healthy. Annual eye exams can help catch many diseases early, so it's also a good way to take care of your health.

Your eyes are very important, so it's important to take care of them. Contact lenses can be a healthy and simple way to correct your vision, as long as you use them properly. For more information, contact a local eye clinic like Cripe Stephens & Stickel.