Ask an Expert
To keep you up-to-speed on the most important eye care and contact lens information, we've asked optometrist Dr. Christine Sindt to share her answers to the questions she hears most from patients.
NOTE: This contact lens information is not intended to replace your eye doctor's advice. Always speak with your eye care professional about your eye health.
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If I've had a good experience with one brand of contact lens solution, can I continue to use it when I change to a different kind of contact lenses?
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"The lens solution that worked for you in the past may not always fit your needs today. Different solutions work with some types of contacts better than others. Talk to your eye doctor about the solution that's best for the lenses you currently wear. Your doctor will identify an option that can properly clean, disinfect and recondition your lenses for comfortable lens wear. Proper lens care helps keep your eyes healthy."
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Can I wear a friend or family member's contact lenses?
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"You should never wear another person's contact lenses (or vice versa). Contact lenses are medical devices, with a prescription specific to each individual. It's unlikely you share the same prescription as another person, so you wouldn't be able to see properly with their lenses. Furthermore, wearing another person's contact lenses can put you at risk for eye infection."
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My eye is red. How can I tell if it's infected?
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"Red eyes can be a sign of eye infection or other potentially serious problems. Any time you experience redness, secretions, blurring or pain, you should immediately remove your contact lenses and call your eye doctor."
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The store brand's contact lens solution is cheaper. Isn't it the same as the brand name?
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"A store brand's packaging may say that it's comparable to another brand's product, but that doesn't mean it's actually the same as the brand name solution. Over time, store brand (or "generic") products can change formulations and compositions without notifying the customer. These differences may seem small, but they can make a big difference when it comes to lens care.
OPTI-FREE® PureMoist® contact lens solution is not available in a "generic" store brand. Always check with your eye doctor before changing your contact lens solution."
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Can I buy contact lenses and lens care products on the internet?
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"While the internet may be convenient, it can't compare to the care and attention you receive from an eye doctor. Your doctor's primary focus will always be on your eye health — most mail order and Internet companies only care about selling products. When it comes to your eyes, you have to decide if you'd rather be treated as a customer or a patient.
That said, keep in mind that there are hundreds of mail-order contact lens vendors out there, and some are significantly less expensive than others. If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is — watch out for additional shipping costs or membership fees!"
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About Dr. Sindt
Dr. Christine Sindt is an Associate Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology and Director of Contact Lens Services at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
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