How to Help Prevent Eye Infections for Contact Lens Users

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Take appropriate steps to prevent an eye infection.

   For instance, it is important to have regular eye examinations.This way, your doctor can make sure you have contact lenses that fit well, and can also evaluate the overall health of your eyes and screen for any possible infections.
   
   It is also important to replace contact lenses as often as prescribed by your eye care provider.
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   Step 2: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry them before handling your contact lenses.Bacteria from your day-to-day activities can easily accumulate on your hands throughout the day

   , Be sure to never re-use old solution or mix a new solution with the old one.
   
   Never use saline solution to disinfect lenses. , Replace your storage cases once every three months. , Even the "extended wear' contact lenses are best to remove at night, as it is still possible to get an infection with them. , If you absolutely need to wear them in water (for instance, when swimming), wear goggles and be sure to thoroughly clean and disinfect your contact lenses afterward., See your eye doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:
   Blurry vision Excessive tearing Eye pain Sensitivity to light The sensation of having something in your eye Swelling, unusual redness, or irritation in the eye. , The most common form of treatment is prescription eyedrops given to you by your doctor.He or she will give you instructions of how many drops to put in each eye how often, and an expected time-frame for recovery.
   
   The eye drop prescription will, of course, be tailored to the diagnosis of what type of eye infection you have.
   
   If you do not get better within a few days to a week (or if your symptoms get worse at any time), book a follow-up appointment with your doctor to rule out that nothing more serious is going on. ,
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   Step 3: so washing well prior to inserting or removing your contact lenses is key to preventing infection.

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   Step 4: Clean your lenses according to the manufacturer's instructions and follow the guidelines given by your doctor.Use fresh cleaning (disinfecting) solution each time your lenses are cleaned and stored.

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   Step 5: Store reusable lenses in the proper storage case.Storage cases should be rinsed with sterile contact lens solution (never use tap water) and left open to dry.

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   Step 6: Avoid sleeping while wearing your contact lenses.Sleeping with contact lenses in increases the chance of infection

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   Step 7: as well as scratches or damage to your cornea.

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   Step 8: Avoid swimming

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   Step 9: bathing

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    Step 10: or showing with contact lenses in.There can be bacteria in the water (or

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    Step 11: in the case of a shower

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    Step 12: it can cause bacteria from your skin or elsewhere to more easily get into your eyes) so it is advised to remove your contacts anytime you are in water.

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    Step 13: Recognize signs and symptoms of an eye infection.

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    Step 14: Know that the choice of treatment depends upon the causes of your eye infection.Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics

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    Step 15: viral infections with anti-viral medications

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    Step 16: and fungal infections with anti-fungals.

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    Step 17: Understand that occasionally steroid drops are prescribed for your eyes in addition to treating the underlying infection.This depends upon the severity of your infection

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    Step 18: as topical steroids can sometimes be useful to diminish inflammation and redness in you eye(s).

Detailed Guide

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