Contact Lens Safety and Risks

If you are considering getting contact lenses of ANY type, Center for Sight recommends:

• Having a thorough eye exam from a licensed Optometrist or Ophthalmologist
• Having a careful fitting and getting a valid prescription that includes the brand and complete set of lens parameters.
• Purchasing the lenses from either Center for Sight directly, an eye care professional or from a vendor who requires that you provide prescription information for the lenses
• Carefully following directions given to you for cleaning, disinfection, and wearing the lenses.
• Visiting the Optometrist or Ophthalmologist who initially prescribed your contacts for follow-up eye exams in order to make sure they are fitting properly.

Contraindications to Wearing Contact Lenses

Most people who need vision correction are able to wear contact lenses safely and comfortably, but there are some exceptions. Some of the conditions that might keep you from wearing contact lenses are: frequent eye infections, severe allergies, dry eyes or an inadequate tear film, a work environment that is very dusty or dirty and inability to handle and care for the lenses properly.

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Contact Lens Care & Safety

There are a number of good hygiene practices that will help you to wear your contacts safely and comfortably. Please take time to read and then practice the following care principles:

Your contact lenses must be properly cleaned and disinfected each time you remove them in order to kill germs and prevent infections.

At the time you insert your contact lenses, you should thoroughly rinse the case with warm water and allow it to dry. All contact lens cases need frequent cleaning, including disposable lens cases.

Never put a contact lens in your lens in your mouth and then insert it into your eye.

Never use homemade cleaning solutions, they have been linked to serious eye infections.

Do not attempt to sterilize disposable lenses – you must discard them.

Never mix different brands of solutions

Any eye drops, even nonprescription ones, can interact with all types of contact lenses.

Only use the brand of solution prescribed by the Optometrist or Ophthalmologist who fit you or else check with the doctor before changing brands.

Always wash your hands with soap prior to handling contact lenses or touching your eye.

Do not share your lenses with someone else.

Do not take your lenses in and out repeatedly throughout the day.

Only wear your contacts on the schedule prescribed by your doctor.

Dispose of your contact lenses at the interval prescribed by your doctor.

Call Your Center for Sight Doctor If You Experience Any These Symptoms

• Pain

• Redness lasting more than one day

• Discharge from your eye

• Blurred Vision

• Unusual Scratchiness

• Unusual Light Sensitivity

Center for Sight is pleased to offer thorough eye exams, contact lens evaluations and fittings as well as the supply of all types of contacts including soft daily wear contacts, rigid gas permeable contacts, contacts for astigmatism, bifocal contacts, extended wear contacts, planned replacement contacts and disposable contact lenses.

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Please contact Center for Sight with questions or to schedule an appointment by calling Center for Sight in Fall River, Massachusetts at 508.677.0041 or Center for Sight in Woonsocket, Rhode Island at 401.769.6323.

Center for Sight is conveniently located for  patients in need of evaluation of contact lenses, fitting of contact lenses, supply of contact lenses and follow-up in Massachusetts or Rhode Island from Attleboro, Fairhaven, Fall River, Franklin, Mansfield, Marion, Mattapoisett, Medfield, Milford, New Bedford, North Attleboro, North Dartmouth, Norton, Oxford, Rehobeth, Somerset, Swansea, Taunton, Walpole, Whitinsville, Woonsocket, Providence, Smithfield, Westport, Lakeville, Dighton, Little Compton, and Tiverton.

Contact Lenses

Types of Contact Lenses

Contact Lens Safety and Risks