If you have never worn contact lenses before, it probably seems like they are a lot of work. It looks like contacts are hard to take out and put in, you constantly have to clean them, and isn't putting your fingers in your eyes a risk for infection? Once you talk to your optometrist about contact lenses you'll realize they're practically no work at all. After you learn to put them in and take them out properly, contact lenses will become as blurred and mindless a part of your routine as brushing your teeth. If you're new to wearing contact lenses there are a few things you should keep in mind.

You Have to Keep Them Clean

Like brushing your teeth every day, you have to keep your contact lenses clean. This isn't just to prevent infection, but also to reduce the buildup of protein and debris, to ensure that your contacts have a long lifespan and you get the most bang for your buck. Cleaning your contacts is easy. It just consists of spraying them with solution, rubbing them together for a few seconds, and putting them in their case. Now days, some contact lenses don't even require the rubbing step. If you're wearing glasses instead of contacts, ask yourself, how many times a day do you have to clean your glasses?

Keep Your Case Clean Too

Because you're spraying a disinfectant into them every day, you may neglect to keep your contact lens case clean too. To keep your case, and therefore your lenses, clean, hand wash it with gentle soap once or twice a week. You also have to remember to let your case dry after use because bacteria thrives in moisture.

Rest Your Eyes

Contact lenses are completely healthy to wear, but not necessarily for long periods of time. Wearing your contact lenses for too long can lead to irritation. If this occurs you should remove them immediately. Wearing contact lenses for too long can cause a lack of oxygen in your eye which leads to swelling and potentially infection. Try not to sleep in your contact lenses, even if you think it's just for a short nap.

You Should Still Have Glasses

Just because you have contact lenses doesn't mean you should give up your glasses. Always keep an up-to-date prescription in case you need to rest your eyes or have an infection. Both eye contacts and prescription glasses are helpful in their own circumstances.