Caring for Your Specialty Contact Lenses: Do’s and Don’ts

Specialty contact lenses can offer crisp, comfortable vision where standard lenses fall short. Whether you wear them for keratoconus, irregular corneas, or advanced vision correction, proper care is essential to protect both your lenses and your eyes. Following the right habits can extend the life of your lenses and reduce the risk of irritation or infection.

What Are Specialty Contact Lenses?

Specialty contact lenses are custom-designed lenses made to address vision needs that standard soft lenses can’t correct effectively. They are often prescribed for patients with conditions such as keratoconus, corneal irregularities, severe dry eye, or high prescriptions that make regular lenses uncomfortable or ineffective. Because they are tailored to each patient’s unique eye shape and condition, specialty lenses offer improved vision quality and comfort compared to traditional options.

Do’s of Specialty Contact Lens Care

• Wash Your Hands First - Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly before touching your lenses to prevent harmful bacteria, dirt, and oils from transferring to your eyes.

• Use the Recommended Solutions - Only use the cleaning and disinfecting solutions prescribed by your optometrist. Specialty lenses often require specific solutions that are not interchangeable with standard soft lens cleaners.

• Clean and Rinse Daily - Gently rub and rinse your lenses with solution each time you remove them to eliminate deposits and prevent buildup that could cloud your vision or damage the lens surface.

• Store in Fresh Solution - Always use fresh solution when storing your lenses overnight, and never “top off” old solution since it reduces disinfecting effectiveness.

• Keep Up With Regular Checkups - Visit your eye doctor as recommended to make sure your lenses are fitting properly and your eyes remain healthy, as specialty lenses often require more precise monitoring.

Don’ts of Specialty Contact Lens Care

• Don’t Use Tap Water - Water can harbor microorganisms that are harmful to your eyes. Avoid rinsing or storing your lenses in tap water, and never wear them while swimming or showering.

• Don’t Sleep in Lenses Unless Directed - Sleeping in lenses not approved for overnight wear can deprive your eyes of oxygen, leading to discomfort and increased infection risk.

• Don’t Skip Cleaning Your Case - Empty your lens case daily, rinse with solution (not water), and let it air-dry. Replace the case every 1-3 months to reduce contamination risk.

• Don’t Reuse Old Solution - Always discard used solution after each use. Reusing solution significantly increases the chance of bacterial growth.

• Don’t Ignore Discomfort - If your eyes become red, painful, or irritated, remove your lenses right away and contact your optometrist. Discomfort can indicate a serious issue that needs prompt attention.

Schedule Your Specialty Lens Consultation Today

Specialty contact lenses can transform your vision, but they require consistent care to keep your eyes healthy and your lenses performing at their best. By following these do’s and don’ts, you can enjoy clear, comfortable vision and avoid unnecessary complications.

At Clarifeye Total Eye Care, we specialize in fitting and managing specialty contact lenses to give you the best possible vision and comfort. If you’re ready to learn more about proper lens care or want to schedule an eye exam, contact our office in Shenandoah, Texas, by calling (936) 267-0190 today.