Contact lens wearers have an increased risk for eye infections and injury to the cornea. Small particles can become trapped under a lens and scratch the cornea. Follow these lens care guidelines to protect the health of your eyes.

1. Wear your contact lenses as prescribed. Your eye doctor will recommend a wearing schedule based on the type of contact lens you have. Do not wear your lenses longer than the time recommended.
2. Always wash your hands with soap and water and rinse thoroughly before handling your contact lenses. Avoid applying lotions or creams to your hands before inserting or removing lenses, which can cause pain or irritation when they are in your eyes.
3. Insert your contact lenses before applying makeup to avoid contamination and avoid applying makeup to the inner rim of the eyelid.
4. Clean your contact lens by rubbing it gently with your index finger in the palm of your hand with a lens solution.
5. Clean and store your contact lenses as prescribed -- in a clean case in fresh solution. Never use plain tap water to rinse or store your lenses.
6. Rinse your case after each use with sterile solution and let air-dry to avoid contamination.
7. Do not let the solution bottle opening come in contact with your fingers or lenses, which can cause the solution to become contaminated.
8. If you experience signs of eye infection (redness, burning, excessive tearing), remove your contact lenses and discontinue use. See your eye doctor before resuming contact lens use.
9. Never wear another person's contact lenses.
10. Visit your eye doctor annually to check the condition of your lenses and the health of your eyes.