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AOA tips for contact lenses users (©1997 by American Optometric Association)

Get started off right with your contact lenses by going to a doctor who provides full-service care. This includes a thorough eye examination, an evaluation of your suitability for contact lens wear, the lenses, necessary lens care kits, individual instructions for wear and care and unlimited follow-up visits over a specified time. The initial visit and examination can take an hour or longer. Here is a list of other specific do's and don'ts to lead you to successful wear. 

DO:

• Listen and watch closely as instructions are given and demonstrated. Practice the care routine in your optometrist's office.
• Follow lens care and wearing instructions/schedules to the letter.
• Schedule follow-up visits to your optometrist both during and after your adaptation period. This is important to maintaining good eye health and safe contact lens wear.
• Wash hands thoroughly before handling your lenses.
• Handle contact lenses over a clean towel. If your drop your lenses, they will stay clean and undamaged.
• Store your lenses in the case made for them and keep the case clean.

DON'T:

• Use cream soaps. They can leave a film on your hands that can transfer to the lenses.
• Put contact lenses in your mouth or moisten them with saliva, which is full of bacteria and a potential source of infection.
• Use homemade saline solutions. Improper use of homemade saline solutions has been linked with a potentially blinding condition among soft lens wearers.