Things Every Contact Lens Wearer Should Know

Yumhee Park | Sep 1st 2016 Apr 27th 2017

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Water can be used to clean your contact lenses.

0 True
1 False

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You are correct! You are incorrect!

Water does not equal solution! Using tap water to clean contact lenses causes the lenses to absorb the water and swell. Also, water is not sterile and could contain microorganisms. Once the lens swells, it can change the way the lens is supposed to fit on your eye, possibly causing damage and infection to the cornea.

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YOU GOT 37% CORRECT

YOUR SCORE

Water can be used to clean your contact lenses.

Correct Answer: False

Water does not equal solution! Using tap water to clean contact lenses causes the lenses to absorb the water and swell. Also, water is not sterile and could contain microorganisms. Once the lens swells, it can change the way the lens is supposed to fit on your eye, possibly causing damage and infection to the cornea.
Popping your contact lens into your mouth is a good alternative to solution in order to moisten your lenses.

Correct Answer: False

You know the things you put in your mouth, so it seems like this should be a no-brainer. The bacteria in your saliva does not belong in your eyes. If your lenses are bothering you, it's best to throw them away or use actual solution or specific lubricating drops for contact lens wearers.
Washing your contact lens case with solution is better than washing it with soap and warm water.

Correct Answer: True

Since no water should be in contact with your lenses, it's best to clean your case with solution. Afterwards, the case should be completely dried before putting the lids back on. It's best to dispose of cases every three months.
Lenses don't have an expiration date as long as they are not opened.

Correct Answer: False

Besides the fact that the prescription might have changed, the solution in the lens package can expire and prove less effective in preventing infections. Solutions in general can also expire, so be sure to check the expiration date before use.
Monthly or two week lenses can last longer depending on how often you wear them.

Correct Answer: False

As soon as you open a new contact lens package, the clock starts ticking then. Just because you use your lenses once a week, doesn't mean you can make a two week lens package last longer. It's best to aim for dailies if you don't wear lenses often, otherwise, be sure to stick to the length of time the lenses are meant for.
If you wear makeup, you should put your lenses on before applying any sort of skincare products or makeup.

Correct Answer: True

Residue of lotions or makeup can remain on your finger and leave traces on your lenses which can transfer to your eye, leading to possible infections. Make sure your hands are completely clean and free of any product before putting your lenses in or taking them out.
It's okay to sleep in your contact lenses, once in a while.

Correct Answer: False

Even sleeping in your contact lenses once in a while can increase your chance of causing damage to the cornea that can lead to an infection. Sleeping in your contact lenses deprives the eye of even more oxygen than it normally does, so remember to let your eyes breathe and take out your lenses before you go to bed.

Things Every Contact Lens Wearer Should Know

Your Results

Water can be used to clean your contact lenses.

Popping your contact lens into your mouth is a good alternative to solution in order to moisten your lenses.

Washing your contact lens case with solution is better than washing it with soap and warm water.

Lenses don't have an expiration date as long as they are not opened.

Monthly or two week lenses can last longer depending on how often you wear them.

If you wear makeup, you should put your lenses on before applying any sort of skincare products or makeup.

It's okay to sleep in your contact lenses, once in a while.

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