Buying Online Contact Lenses

Among the many kinds of contact lenses you can buy are: novelty, colored, crazy, Halloween, special effects, theatrical, costume, scary, glow in the dark, wild eyes, mirrored, black, white, and red. Contact lens wearers are usually surprised and happy with the level of comfort that lenses provide. Now it’s easy to order the perfect quality contact lenses online at a great discount.

The choice of which lens is right for you should be based only on an examination by your doctor or eye care professional, not over the phone. If you’ve always wanted to change your eye color, color contact lenses can provide baby blues, gorgeous greens, heavenly hazels — even various patterns and designs.

Extended wear contact lenses are used for overnight or continuous wear ranging from one to six nights or up to 30 days. There are also a few rigid gas permeable lenses that are designed and approved for overnight wear. The length of continuous lens wear depends on the lens type and your doctor’s evaluation of your tolerance for overnight wear.

Contact lenses are often more complex than they appear to be. If you plan to wear lenses for more than 18 hours for the purpose of eye color change, then buy colored soft lenses. People who have good distance vision but need help for reading can get a monovision reading lens for one eye.

Soft contact lenses are made of soft, flexible plastics that allow for oxygen to pass through to the cornea. There are several types of lenses including: soft contact lenses, rigid gas permeable lenses, extended wear lenses and disposables. Although easier to handle and less likely to tear, rigid gas permeable lenses are not as comfortable initially as soft contacts and it may take a few weeks to get used to wearing the RGPs, compared to just a few days for soft contacts.

Rigid gas permeable lenses tend to be less expensive over the life of the lens since they last longer than soft lenses. Extra-thin soft lenses are on the market for very sensitive people.

Make sure you have a current, valid prescription when you order contact lenses. Always buy from a reputable company; you can buy contact lenses without a prescription, but the company is selling you a prescription device as if it were an over-the-counter device violating FTC regulations by selling you contact lenses without having your prescription. When you receive your order, if you think you’ve received an incorrect contact lens, check with your doctor or eye care professional right away; don’t accept any substitution unless your eye care professional approves it.

When you place your order make sure your lenses are available and not out of stock, because you’ll need them now. Check to see if you have a health insurance plan that includes vision coverage. You can buy contact lenses from an eye doctor, on the Internet, from an optical store or a warehouse club.

Always ask what rebates are available. Rebates may be available from the seller, from the manufacturer, for first-time contact lens wearers and for individuals who buy lenses and get an eye exam. Get a feel for how the retailer handles customer service calls; in case you have a problem after your order arrives.

Microorganisms may be present in distilled water, so always use commercial sterile saline solutions, if you plan to use enzyme tablets in water for disinfections. Under the binding down of a rigid contact lens during sleep, the flow of tears and oxygen to the cornea is reduced; lack of oxygen leaves the eye vulnerable to infection. Extended-wear rigid lenses can cause unexpected, undesirable, reshaping of the cornea.

To be sure your eyes remain healthy you shouldn’t order lenses with a prescription that’s expired or stock up on lenses right before the prescription is about to expire; it’s much safer to be re-checked by your eye doctor. Be aware that extended-wear (overnight) contact lenses – rigid or soft – increase the risk of corneal ulcers, which are infection-caused eruptions on the cornea that can lead to blindness; symptoms include vision changes, eye redness, eye discomfort or pain, and excessive tearing. Always throw away disposable lenses after the recommended wearing period.

Make sure you’ve done your homework before you buy any pair of contact lenses. Remember to use only contact lenses that are FDA-approved and only if prescribed by a licensed eyecare professional. It’s becoming easier and easier all the time to shop online and often the shipping is free.

Eye Contact Lenses Vs Eye Glasses

To most, the debate would seem to be an almost eternal one which people have been trying to sort out for ages. Some people claim regular eye glasses are better than contact lenses and some are on the other side of the war claiming that contacts are much better than eye glasses any day. Well to be fair and unbiased, the thing is that both contact lenses and eye glasses have their advantages and disadvantages and finding what exactly you’re looking for all depends on what your needs and circumstances are. Eyesight is rather important and for those who are visually impaired to some extent, seeing properly and clearly is what is required to determine what a suitable solution for their condition is and what is not.

When it comes to contact lenses, there are a lot of advantages and this fact is probably the reason why most people despite the argument, seem to prefer them over regular eye glasses. The whole reason why eye contact lenses were invented in the first place was to be a replacement for eye glasses. Unlike glasses contact lenses tend to allow for a wider field of vision which is almost the same if not somewhat better than that of those with regular eye sight. The smaller and more stylish eye glasses are, the lesser the field of vision that they provide.

Contact lenses also provide the opportunity for those wearing them to see things much more naturally, the lens is placed directly over the cornea so everything looks the right size and nothing seems out of place. These lenses also work wonders in some sports when they can be worn without being displaced, special glasses have to be worn for those who want to participate in sporting events and who are visually impaired. When you wear contact lenses you need not be bothered about all this.

Some people think that eye glasses have no advantage over eye contact lenses but this impression is rather erroneous and glasses have a lot of advantages which contact lenses do not have. Some people actually recommend keeping a pair of glasses around in case and individual has problems with their contact lenses in an area where glasses prove much more proficient and reliable.

The first obvious advantage about glasses is that you simply put them on. Unlike contact lenses there is no need for advance preparation and all the wiping and disinfecting that goes into preparing to wear contact lenses. This also doesn’t go to include the disconcerting habit of having to put a finger in the eye. Sometimes when you’re in a rush, you just can’t afford this process.

Certain individuals tend to have allergies which mean they cannot wear eye contact lenses and in certain seasons wearing contact lenses might prove to be a serious problem so having glasses on hand to switch to when this is an issue, is a rather preferable situation at this juncture. Sometimes contact lenses are simply just not available and their wearers can benefit by having a pair of glasses on hand to help them out in their time of need.

Insertion and Proper Removal of Contact Lenses

Getting used to inserting and removing contact lenses requires patience and practice until the process can be easily mastered. Initially, you will have the opportunity to both insert and remove your contact lenses whilst having them fitted at your opticians. However, when faced with this task without the support of the optician and his staff, the process may seem, at first, a little difficult but can be overcome if you persist.

When attempting to insert your contacts for the first time you may become frustrated as it can take a certain knack to be successful. In spite of your initial failures it is important to persevere and you will find that with each attempt the whole procedure will become easier and easier. Remember that very few are able to master the art of inserting and removing their contact lenses immediately so try to relax and be patient. To help you get started the information below should help as it contains some tried and tested ways to make life easier for you in this respect.

The first thing to remember before attempting to insert contact lenses is that your hands should be scrupulously clean and dry. You should then place the contact lens on the tip of your index finger in a concave position. Apply a little solution to the middle part of the contact lens. Using your thumb, pull down the lower lid of the eye into which you will be inserting you contact lens and look up.

You are now in a position to insert your contact lens that is sitting on the tip of your index finger. Avoid the impulse to blink but allow the contact lens to adjust to the eye, after a few seconds you may close your eye and your contact lens should feel secure and comfortable. If not, repeat the process until you are happy with the way the contact lens feels in your eye.

Removing contact lenses requires the same dedication to hygiene, so it is important to make sure that your hands are clean and dry. Remove the contact lens by using your thumb and forefinger, grab the sides of the lens and remove from the eye. This procedure can usually be accomplished instantly but also requires a degree of practice. To help lubricate your eyes and assist the process it may help to apply some eye drops.

After a few weeks you will find that inserting and removing your contact lenses has become easy and you shouldn’t experience any difficulties. It is simply a matter of technique. Once you get the hang of it you will begin to enjoy the benefits that contact lenses offer as they are certainly a wonderful aid to correcting your vision.

Contact Lenses and Fashion Statement

For years contact lenses were designed with only function in mind. Anyone with vision problems who didn’t want to wear glasses could consult their eye care professional and make the change. Contact lenses were an unnoticeable and convenient way to correct vision.

Now even people with 20/20 vision are lining up for contact lenses. Why?

The latest, greatest fashion trend: colored contact lenses.

What Are Colored Contact Lenses?
Colored contact lenses have a tint, color or design embedded right on the contact lens itself. The center portion that fits over your pupil remains clear to allow your vision to be unimpeded.
The tints can enhance your natural eye color, completely change your eye color or for a really wild look, imprint crazy designs or logos right on the iris.

For example: you could have blue eyes one day, brown eyes the next and cat eyes on the weekend. They are versatile, flexible and fun!

When buying colored contact lenses there are two main categories of contact lenses to choose from: Enhancer Contact Lenses and Opaque Contact Lenses.

What Is The Difference Between Enhancer and Opaque Colored Lenses?
Enhancer colored contacts use translucent tints that allow certain wavelengths of light to pass through while absorbing others. This results in a vivid enhancement of your natural eye color. It can also change the way the iris looks underneath making your eyes clearly stand out.

Enhancer colored contact lenses cannot change your eye color; only enhance what you already have. They work particularly well for people with green, blue or light colored eyes, creating dramatic and intense looks.

Opaque colored contact lenses use opaque tints that completely mask your underlying iris. No light can pass through the opaque tint, which means your natural eye color is no longer visible. Regular opaque lenses are carefully designed to mimic the natural look of the eye while completely altering eye color. You can go from brown-eyes to green, blue-eyes to purple, there is no limit to the color changes available.

Natural looking opaque contact lenses are also used for cosmetic purposes to cover up any eye disfigurements a person has that would usually be visible.

For a more fun appearance you can use costume or theatrical lenses. These opaque colored contact lenses are used all the time to create special effects in the movies and for Halloween. They can turn you from human to vampire, give you alien eyes, or allow you to have your favorite logo visible in your eye. They can also be ordered with customized iris flecks for a unique appearance.

There is also a new development in colored contact lenses designed especially for the sports enthusiast. They have what are called light-filtering tints. These tints enhance the visibility of certain colors for the wearer and enable them to more easily see objects such as tennis balls. The tints effectively separate the object from the background giving you an advantage during play. There are a number of light-filtering contact lenses being designed for a variety of sports.

Who Can Wear Colored Contact Lenses?
Many colored contacts can be ordered in ‘plano’ form for people who do not need vision correction. There are also designs for people who require bifocal correction and for those with astigmatism.

For anyone wishing to use colored contact lenses you do require an appointment with an eye care professional and a prescription, even if you have 20/20 vision. Contact lenses need to be fitted properly to the curvature of your eye for a safe and comfortable fit.

Contact Lens Care for Long Term Use

For first time wearers looking after contact lenses properly can be a slightly confusing subject. Most first time wearers are told that not cleaning their lenses properly can cause eye infections. However, it is not always entirely clear how to take best care of them.

In this article we shall answer explain some of the key rules to remember about contact lens care and hygiene.

What is the best way to take care of your contact lenses?

Taking care of and cleaning your contact lenses properly is very important. Failure to do so might cause you to get an eye infection or for your vision to be affected.

The first rule of contact lens care is to always wash your hands before touching your lenses. If possible you should try and use a non-perfumed soap. This is because soaps that contain fragrances can leave a slight residue on your hands which can be transferred to your lenses. This can cause eye irritation.

Try and keep your fingernails short and file any jagged edges. This will reduce the risk of tearing your contact lenses or scratching your eye.

Put on make up after inserting your contact lenses. Again this will ensure that you don’t get cosmetic residue in your eye or on your lens.

Soak contact lenses in specially designed contact lens solution, not in tap water. Tap water contains bacteria that can cause some infections.

Remember that contact lens solution should only be used once. Do not keep the same solution in your contact lens store case and use it for multiple soakings. You should rinse out your storage case on a daily basis with a sterile rinsing solution. You should also change your storage case every three months.

If you have any questions about how to look after your contact lenses, do not hesitate to speak to your optometrist.

Different Contact Lens Eye Allergies

Seasonal allergies affect about 20 percent of Americans. A significant portion of these people experience eye allergies, which can cause visual impairment and discomfort. Proper care, however, can limit or prevent the effects of eye allergies.

There are approximately 40 million contact lens wearers in the United States; the American Optometric Association estimates that about 75 percent of them report eye pain and irritation caused by allergies.

An eye allergy is a reaction to allergens or non-parasitic antigens. Pollen, mold, or dust mites are common allergens that can get into the eye and create an inflammation in the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is a tissue that lines the inner eyelid and the cornea. It also helps to keep the eye moist. Eye allergies can be hereditary, but are not contagious.

Allergens are attracted to contact lenses. The lens can function like a sponge and attract deposits and allergens, making it crucial for wearers to thoroughly clean and disinfect their lenses and follow the guidelines given to them by their eye care practitioner.

Symptoms of eye allergies include red, itchy, burning, tearing, swollen eyes, and the feeling that something is in the eyes. Some eye allergy sufferers experience blurry vision or feel distracted and tired.

There are three common allergic conditions – giant papillary conjunctivitis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis and atopic keratoconjunctivitis. Giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC) is the most common allergic condition in contact lens wearers. Generally, the condition causes the eye to feel itchy and irritated. GPC is caused either by an allergic reaction to the preservatives used in contact lens solutions or by lens deposits accumulated on the lens.

If the contact lens wearer continues with wear even when experiencing GPC, symptoms such as itchiness, redness and irritation frequently occur. These symptoms can sometimes continue after the lenses have been removed. Those who continue with contact lens wear in the presence of GPC also report that their lenses ride up on the eye when blinking, which can cause the onset of papillae or red bumps to form, especially on the under side of the upper eyelid.

Treating GPC most commonly involves suspending contact lens wear while the condition improves.

Tips

- Don’t rub your eyes; this will make it worse. Try placing a cool cloth on your eyes to ease the itching.
- Frequently wash hands with soap and water.
- Wash bedding in hot water to reduce allergens.
- Avoid wearing eye makeup.
- Never share contact lenses or eye makeup with anyone.
- Limit the length of time lenses are worn.
- Try wearing lenses part time and glasses part time.
- Discuss with your eye care professional a cleansing and replacement schedule that will best suit your needs.
- Use eye drops as recommended by your eye care professional.
- Use a rinsing and storage solution that does not contain known allergenic ingredients such as thimerosal.

Daily disposable lenses avoid the buildup of allergens on the lens surface and also eliminate exposure to disinfecting solutions and lens cleaning products that may also lead to allergic reactions.

Allergies to preservatives in contact lens solutions

The body’s response to allergens causes nearby cells to release chemicals that result in inflammation. Some substances found in contact lens solutions can lead to this response, causing redness, itching, and discomfort.

Preservatives in contact lens solutions can remain on the contact lens surface and/or within the lens matrix even after the lens has been cleaned and disinfected. These preservatives may cause an allergic reaction. The chemical Thimerosal is most commonly associated with eye allergies, though other chemicals can also cause an allergic response. Reactions can develop at any time, even after several months or years using a solution.

To avoid an allergic reaction to contact lens solutions, it is wise to use products labeled “sensitive eyes” or “thimerosal free.” Check the product label to ensure that the solution does not contain chemicals you may be allergic to.

Most wearers with allergies to lens solutions can continue to wear contacts without issue, but for some, it might be best to try daily wear lenses. Discuss your options with your eye care practitioner.

Tips On Easily Removing Contact Lenses

Removing stuck contact lens can be difficult. Removing stuck contact lens can also be uncomfortable.

If you have a problem removing stuck contact lens, do not panic. Removing stuck contact lens can be relatively easy if you remain calm and have a plan.

Begin removing stuck contact lens by washing your hands and make sure the drain in the sink is closed. Put your index finger on your lower eyelid and pull the eyelid down. Continue removing stuck contact lens by touching the lower edge of the contact lens with the tip of a finger. Try removing stuck contact lens by looking up and trying to slide the lens down toward the white of your eye.

Removing stuck contact lens at this point can be tricky if it is truly stuck. Try looking up and holding the lens under your index finger. Move your thumb and try to compress the lens carefully between your thumb and index finger. Removing stuck contact lens may become rather aggravating so use some patience and try a few re-wetting drops.

When you are removing stuck contact lens and you wear hard contacts you can try using a plunger. You will not have any luck removing stuck contact lens if they are the soft variety.

Back to removing stuck contact lens of the hard variety with a plunger. This works well and is very effective. You moisten the cup of the plunger and place it right on top of the lens. The lens should be easily removed because it will stick to the plunger. Removing stuck contact lens this way usually is the best plan.

When you have soft contacts, removing stuck contact lens is a little trickier. You have to use your fingers and just keep lubricating your eye.

Removing stuck contact lens is not much fun but it can be done. If you really have a serious problem removing stuck contact lens, contact your ophthalmologist.

Proper Eye Lens Examinations

Contact lens examinations take longer and require more tests than a regular eye exam. If you wish to try contact lenses you need to inform your eye care professional’s office when you book the appointment so enough time can be reserved for the contact lens fitting. The average exam takes about 90 minutes.

There are three main parts to your contact lens exam and fitting:

- Consultation
- Examination
- Contact lens fitting and instruction

Consultation
When you first enter the office your eye doctor will ask a number of questions regarding your lifestyle, current eye health and contact lens preferences. These questions will help your eye doctor to determine if contact lenses are right for you and also what kind of contact lenses would be the best fit.

Examination
Next your eye doctor will perform a routine eye exam.
Your eye doctor will shine a light into your eyes in order to observe the eye structure and how well your eye muscles function. A visual acuity test will be given to rate how well you can see the letters and numbers on a standard eye chart. Drops may be put in your eyes and other basic tests performed to determine if you need corrective lenses and what your prescription strength would be.

Contact Lens Examination
The curvature, size and shape of your eyes are unique and so measurements need to be taken in order to determine the correct fit for your contact lenses. If contact lenses are not fitted properly they can cause discomfort and even eye damage.

- The eye doctor will use an instrument called a keratometer (a type of digital camera) to measure the curvature of your cornea. Normally you sit facing the instrument with your chin in a brace (so you can’t move) while the keratometer photographs your eye. The measurements it takes are calculated mathematically to determine the correct size and curve for your contact lenses. Another method called corneal topography may be used to provide precise details of your eye to your eye doctor.

- Next your eyes pupil and iris size are measured using a ruler, pupil card or pupillometer.

- A biomicroscope will be used to evaluate the health of your cornea and also to check the fit of your trial contact lenses.

- A tear film evaluation may also be performed to check the moisture in your eye. This can be done by inserting a small strip of paper under the lower eyelid or by placing fluorescein dye in your eyes and seeing how long it takes for your tears to remove it. This test determines if you have issues with dry eye. If you have severe dry eye you may not be able to wear contact lenses or you may need special contact lenses.

Contact Lens Fitting and Instructions
Finally after your tests are complete, trial contact lenses will be fitted. You will need to wait 10-15 minutes for your eyes to settle down before the eye doctor can determine if the fit is correct. You may also need to try on more than one pair before you find just the right ones for you.

During the fitting your eye doctor will teach you how to insert and remove your contact lenses. They will discuss proper cleaning and maintenance routines and will give you written instructions to follow when you get home.

Follow-up exams will be scheduled to check on your progress with your new contact lenses. If you notice any vision changes, discomfort or problems you should contact your eye care professional immediately.

When looking for contact lenses, Halloween contacts and special effects contacts, be sure to shop online for huge savings when compared to retail prices.

Contact Lenses Travel Precautions

So you haven’t taken a holiday in quite a while. You’re in such a rush to leave behind the daily grind that you forget to pack one of the most important pieces of equipment that a contact lens wearer needs: your contact lens case.

By the time you realize your error all the stores are closed and you’re sitting in the hotel room pondering what to do with those two little discs that mean so much to you and your vision.

This scenario has happened to many people over the years and many innovative solutions have been tried, however, not all these ideas are a healthy choice for your eyes.

Keeping your contact lenses clean and sterile is extremely important for good eye health and so where and how you store them makes a difference.

Why Is It So Important To Store Contact Lenses Correctly?

When you first get your contact lenses your eye care professional goes through a list of care instructions with you. These instructions detail what kind of solutions to use for your particular kind of contact lenses, how to clean your contact lenses properly and how to store them overnight.

You know that you have to keep your contact lens case clean and replace it every 1-3 months, you know you’re to avoid getting tap water anywhere near your contact lenses or your contact lens case but do you know why this is such important advice?

Three reasons: Acanthamoeba keratitis, Fusarium keratitis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

- Acanthamoeba keratitis is a naturally occurring parasite found in tap water (and other water sources). It can infect the eye and destroy the cornea. Permanent vision loss is usually associated with this type of keratitis.

- Fusarium keratitis is a fungus that can aggressively attack your cornea and cause blindness. This infection is also associated with poor contact lens hygiene.

- Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a bacterium that lives in soil and water and can contaminate any area that has contact with soil or water. In rare cases it can cause the loss of your eye.

This is why proper sterilization of your hands, contact lenses and contact lens cases is paramount to keeping your eyes healthy.

How Should I Store My Contact Lenses?

If your proper lens case is not available then the first thing you have to find is a container that is clean and that can be sterilized.

All hotels usually have two small drinking glasses covered with lids for you to use. All hotels usually have a kettle to boil water for tea or coffee.

- Boil the water and then pour it into the drinking glasses, rinse the glasses a couple of times and then immediately pour the water out. Leave the glasses to air dry.

- Once the glasses are completely dry then put your normal contact lens solution into each glass.

- Put the glasses on your nightstand or table and put your left contact lens into the left positioned glass and your right contact lens into the right positioned glass. This way you won’t mix up your contact lenses.

- Gently tap the bottom of the glasses on the table so your contact lenses become submerged in the solution properly.

- Put the covered lids back on the glasses to prevent anything from falling into them while you sleep.

- Clean your lenses thoroughly in the morning and then buy a new contact lens case first thing.

NEVER use a homemade contact lens solution or plastic containers. If you forget your solution wear glasses until you can properly disinfect your contact lenses.

Contact Lens Eye Care from Infection

Over the past two years, several popular contact lens solutions have been linked to cases of serious eye infections. The most recent case involved Advanced Medical Optical’s Complete MoisturePlus™ solution, which was recalled in May of 2007, as it was linked to cases of Acanthamoeba keratitis, an inflammation caused by a parasite. With the link between infections and contact lens solutions established, eye care professionals are examining the existing regulations of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Complete MoisturePlus solution was not contaminated, but was found to be ineffective at preventing the infection. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) found that contact lens wearers were 17 times more likely to contract Acanthamoeba keratitis if they used Complete MoisturePlus than other multi-purpose solutions.

Acanthamoeba keratitis

Acanthamoeba are microscopic one-celled organisms that occur naturally in water sources such as tap water, well water, and hot tubs. Acanthamoeba are parasites capable of thriving in the neutral pH environment of the eye. If the eye becomes infected with Acanthamoeba, Acanthamoeba keratitis results. The infection is rare, but can be severe and painful, often causing corneal scarring and sometimes blindness. Acanthamoeba keratitis symptoms include redness and eye pain after lens removal, as well as tearing, light sensitivity, and blurred vision. Because the symptoms are similar to those of other infections, Acanthamoeba keratitis can be very difficult to diagnose and treat. Some rare cases may even require a corneal transplant as treatment. To avoid contracting the infection, it is important that contact lens wearers: · Follow the recommendations of their eye care practitioner regarding contact lens products and care. · Never use tap water to rinse or clean lenses or cases. Use only sterile solutions. · Do not wear contact lenses while swimming, showering or in a hot tub without airtight goggles. · Soak lenses in fresh disinfecting solution every night, never top off solution in lens case, and do not use homemade solutions. · Wash hands before handling lenses. · Keep lens case clean and dry when not storing lenses. · Clean lenses upon removal and rub lenses with multi-purpose solution. Not all solutions have the same ability to disinfect, so be sure to speak to an eye care practitioner before making any changes. It is important that all contact lens wearers keep in mind that contacts are a medical device, and improper care of their lenses can result in painful infections or other impairments. Wearers must be diligent about keeping their contact lenses and case clean, and replace cases at least once every three months. Be sure to only use sterile solutions recommended by an eye care professional.

Recommendations

In response to the recall of AMO’s Complete Moisture Plus solution, a panel of experts recommended that the FDA impose stricter guidelines for testing and labeling contact lens solutions. The American Optometric Association suggested the FDA strengthen its testing of products before introducing them into the market. “We feel that a more standardized testing process should be developed and used by the FDA, prior to approval, as well as to compare efficacy between products so that a practitioner can make better judgments when prescribing solutions,” Dr. Louise A. Sclafani, chair of the American Optometric Association (AOA) Contact Lens and Cornea Section, said in a presentation to the FDA. Some AOA recommendations included testing under no-rub and no-rinse conditions and testing with actual lens and case materials. A study by the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom found that most contact lens wearers do not wash their hands before inserting their lenses, and are less likely to do so when removing them. Another study found that risk for infection increases by four times when wearers do not properly clean their cases. The AOA also suggested that tests be performed with dirty hands and dirty cases. The FDA regulates contact lenses through the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. The active guidance document relevant to contact lens products was drafted in 1997. The AOA recommends updates to labeling to include a mandatory discard date. Labels should also include, in a prominent, large font, disclaimers such as ‘Wash hands before handling lenses or products,’ ‘Do not top off solution,’ and ‘Rub and rinse is necessary,’ the AOA argued. The FDA has not yet made any changes or updates to their regulations regarding contact lenses and contact lens products.