Making Regular Visits To The Eye Doctor

Never Run Out Of Contacts With These Four Tips

If you wear contact lenses, you probably enjoy the convenience that comes from them. You never have to stop an activity to clean your glasses, and you don't have to worry about your glasses being damaged while doing physical activities. The last thing you want is to suddenly find you've run out of contact lenses. Here are four tips that can help you prevent this:

1. Order a year's supply of contacts.

After youryearly eye exams, your optometrist will give you a contact lens prescription. You can use this prescription to order contacts directly from your optometrist's office or from another retailer. Whichever method you choose, you should order a year's supply of contacts upfront. This will get you all the contact lenses you need for the next year, and some retailers offer a discount when you purchase an annual supply.

2. Consider ordering a few extra pairs.

While a year's supply of contacts is the bare minimum for any contact lens wearer, some people prefer to have a few extra pairs on hand just in case. Soft contact lenses are made from thin, permeable silicone, which means they can tear if handled incorrectly. Contact lenses can also be lost or damaged if you accidentally drop them during cleaning. If you think you might lose or tear your contacts accidentally, you should consider ordering a few extra pairs.

3. Take excellent care of your contacts.

If you treat your contact lenses well, they will last longer. Always handle your contacts with clean hands and trimmed fingernails, since long nails can puncture the delicate lenses. Never wear your contacts in the shower or swimming pool, since the lenses can absorb water and cause the lenses to constrict. This damages the lenses and makes them feel tight and uncomfortable on your eyes. Always follow your optometrist's directions when it comes to contact lens care.

4. Schedule your annual appointment ahead of time.

Contact lens prescriptions are good for one year. Your vision can change a lot in a year, so it's important to see an optometrist regularly so they can adjust your prescription strength if necessary. It also allows your doctor the chance to ensure your eyes are still in good health. You'll need to get another eye exam before ordering more contacts next year, but don't wait until the last minute to schedule your appointment. Eye exam slots can fill up fast, especially toward the end of the year when many people are trying to use their health insurance benefits before they expire.