How can I reduce my risk of a corneal ulcer?

How can I reduce my risk of a corneal ulcer?

The best way to prevent a corneal ulcer is to see your eye care provider right away if you have an eye injury or think you have symptoms of a corneal ulcer.

Contact lens use is the highest risk factor for a corneal ulcer. With this in mind, some helpful tips for contact lens wearers include:

• Always wash your hands before touching your eyes.
• Properly clean and disinfect your contact lenses before and after wearing them.
• Don’t sleep while wearing your contact lenses. Always take them out every night.
• Don’t swim or shower in your contacts.
• Don’t buy contacts from nonmedical sources.
• Don’t wear your contacts if your eyes are irritated.
• Clean and sterilize your contact lens case with the proper solutions.
• Be aware of the increased risk of infection with extended wear lenses. Talk with your eye care provider or optician if you have questions.
• Ask your eye care provider when to throw out and replace your contacts.
• Always wear protective eyewear if you work or have hobbies that put you at risk for an eye injury.