Contact Lens Tips from Your Elko Optometrist

If you are a new contact lens wearer, you may have a number of questions regarding your lenses and how to best protect your eyes. From figuring out if your lenses are inside out, to knowing how to properly remove your lenses, handling your contact lenses correctly makes a big difference in your overall eye health.

Contact Lens Fitting in Elko, NV

When you want to wear contacts, you'll need an eye exam that includes a contact lens fitting.  This ensures that your contacts fit the contour of your eyes, reducing the chances of problems when you wear them. A contact lens fitting from your Elko eye doctor is additional to a regular eye exam to determine your prescription. Let the scheduler know that you are coming in for a fitting so that you get the exam that you need.

Wearing Your Contact Lens

As you prepare to put in your contact lenses, make sure that you wash your hands thoroughly. Don't use scented soaps, and rinse your hands well. To avoid mixing up your two lenses, always put in the same eye first every day. As you get ready to take your lenses out of the case, start by lightly shaking the case to make sure the lenses aren't stuck against the side of the case.

Your next steps are to:

• Place the lens into your palm and rinse it with solution for contacts.
• Hold the lens on the tip of one finger.
• Use your other hand to open up your eyelids wider.
• Look up, and place the lens in your eye.

• Allow the lens to settle in your eye, blink a few times, and make sure that you can see clearly.
• Gently close your eye, roll your eyes in a complete circle to help the lens settle, and then blink.
• Look closely in the mirror to make sure the lens is centered on your eye. If it is, the lens should be comfortable and your vision should be clear.

When you are ready to take out your lenses, put fresh solution in your lens case. Open up your eyelids in the same manner as when you put in the lenses. Carefully pinch the corner of your lens and remove it. Always make sure to wash your hands before removing your lenses. Clean your lenses and store them properly until the next use. If your lens becomes ripped or torn, it's time to replace it with a new lens.

If you want to wear contact lenses, it's time to call Total Eyecare in Elko, Nevada at 775-738-8491 and set up your eye exam. Together we will talk about your options for contact lenses and answer any questions that you might have about wearing contact lenses.