Contact lenses can literally be a "real pain" if misused, so following are some tips for contact lens wearers, to help keep your eyes comfortable and happy!

** Replace your contacts as recommended by the manufacturer & your eye care professional. Don't stretch extended wear, which is usually 2 weeks, to 4 weeks and those of you with the monthly disposables....don't go over one month! Also, it's not a good idea to wear them nonstop without taking them out and cleaning them.

** Never swap contacts with another person.

** Always keep a spare pair of glasses with a current prescription, in case of emergency.

** If your eyes become irritated or bother you at all, take them out & give your eyes a break. If it's more than tired eyes, or more than just a little irritated, remove them & check with your doctor.

** Use only FDA approved lenses.

** Make sure your hands are clean before handling your lenses.

** Don't let the tip of your solution bottles come in contact with any surface, and only use sterile saline solutions meant for your lenses. Throw out any expired solutions.

** Read the labels on your solutions. Some shouldn't be used directly in your eyes and not all solutions are good for all contacts.

** When inserting your lenses, try to do so in the same order each time, to avoid mix ups. And always check each lens for particles or tears.

** Apply one or two drops of lens lubricant if they feel dry.

** Remember, there is nothing wrong with giving your eyes a rest from contact lenses, even if just overnight. Your eyes need a break, and some oxygen, especially if you are exposed irritants such as smoke, dust, fumes from paint, gasoline, even hair spray!