Ask an Expert
Dr. Christine Sindt
is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology and Director of Contact Lens Services at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. She is the editor of the AOA Contact Lens and Cornea section newsletter and writes the solutions editorial for Review of Contact Lens.
To answer some of the questions you may have concerning your eyes and contact lenses, we've asked Dr. Christine Sindt to share answers to questions often heard from patients.
NOTE: this information is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always speak with your eye care professional about your eye health.
If I've had a good experience with one brand of contact lens solution, can I continue using it even if I change to a different kind of contact lenses?
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"A contact lens solution that worked at one time for you may not fit your needs now. Different lens care solutions may work better with some contact lens materials than others. Talk to your eye doctor about which solution is best for the lenses you currently wear. Your eye doctor will identify an option that can properly clean, disinfect and recondition your lenses for comfortable lens wear. Proper lens care can keep your eyes healthy."
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Can I wear another family member's contact lenses?
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"You should never wear another person's contact lenses. Contact lenses are medical devices with a specific prescription for each individual. You and your family member probably don't have identical prescriptions. If you don't have the right prescription you won't be able to see properly. Furthermore, wearing another person's contact lenses can put you at risk for getting an eye infection."
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My eye is red. How can I tell if it is infected?
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"A red eye may indicate an eye infection or another potentially serious problem. Any time you experience redness, secretions, visual blurring or pain, you should immediately remove your contact lenses and promptly call your eye doctor."
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The store brand contact lens solution is cheaper. Isn't it the same as the brand name?
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"A store brand package could say 'compared to…' but that doesn't mean that it is same as a brand name solution. Store brand (or "generic") products can change formulations and compositions over time without notifying the customer. These differences, even if they seem small, can make the difference in properly caring for the contact lenses prescribed for you. Always check with your eye doctor before changing your contact lens solution."
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Can I buy contact lenses and contact lens care products on the Internet?
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"There is no comparison to the attention you receive from your local eye doctor. Eye doctors focus on patient care, unlike mail order and Internet companies, which focus on selling products. When it comes to your eyes, you have to decide if you would rather be treated as a customer or as a patient. There are hundreds of mail-order contact lens vendors and some are significantly less expensive than others. Watch out for added shipping and handling fees or required memberships which can raise costs well above initial price quotes."
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