Health Tip: Using Contact Lenses

(HealthDay News) -- Contact lenses are a common staple for many Americans, but there are many do''s and don''ts to successful contact wear, the American Optometric Association says.

Here''s a list of do''s for contact users:

• Practice the instructions given by your optometrist.
• Follow lens care and wearing instructions.
• Wash hands before handling contacts.
• Handle contacts over a clean towel.
• Store the contacts in the case provided and keep the case clean.

Here''s a list of don''ts:

• Don''t use cream soaps, as the film will affect contacts.
• Don''t contaminate the lenses with bacteria from saliva.
• Don''t use homemade saline solutions.

-- Kimberly Sferruzzo

Last Updated: Oct. 26, 2005