Can You See Me Now?

I have had contact lenses for years now and I can say that I am one of 79 percent of the seeing impaired that don’t properly care for my eyes or lenses. I always try to make an effort to take them out before I sleep, but I either fall asleep before I do or I am just too lazy. The sad part is, well over half of the people who wear contact lenses, have the same bad habits as I do.

According to WebMD, the leading cause of blindness in America is macular degeneration. In order to avoid falling victim to this condition, take the following precautions from the American Optometric Association with your contact lenses:

• Always wash your hands before handling contact lenses.
• Carefully and regularly clean contact lenses as directed by your optometrist (or other eye care provider).
• Store lenses in the proper lens storage case.
• Replace the lens storage case at least every three months.
• Clean the lens case after each use, and keep it open and dry between cleanings.
• Use only products recommended by your optometrist (or other eye care provider) to clean and store contact lenses.
• Always follow the recommended contact lens replacement schedule.
• Remove contact lenses before swimming or entering a hot tub.
• See your optometrist (or other eye care provider) for your regularly scheduled contact lens and eye examination.

If anyone knows how difficult it is to always remember to remove your contacts before sleeping or showering, it is me. I have vowed to get better at regularly cleaning and changing my cases, taking my lenses out before sleeping and to keep track of how long I have worn one pair. Join me in the quest to decrease the number of people who develop macular degeneration.