Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Celebrates Contact Lens Health Week 2016
CDC-sponsored program highlights importance of healthy contact lens hygiene habits
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (August 22, 2016) – From an early age, we are taught to wash our hands and practice proper hygiene to help avoid illness, but some contact lens wearers take for granted the importance of proper lens care and hygiene for healthy eyes. Just in time for the start of school, Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. has teamed with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and its partners to support Contact Lens Health Week, encouraging contact lens wearers to adopt healthy habits that help reduce the risk of infection and promote successful lens wear, especially among teens.
Contact Lens Health Week focuses on three key health messages for all contact lens wearers:
1. Healthy contact lens hygiene habits
2. Proper use, care and storage of contact lenses and supplies
3. Regular visits to an eye care provider
“Millions of Americans wear contact lenses every day with great results – they can see well, they are comfortable, and they can live an active lifestyle free from glasses,” said Millicent Knight, OD, head of professional affairs with Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. “With many new wearers trying contact lenses each year, it is critical that we continue to highlight the importance of proper wear and care of contact lenses, to help reduce the risk of infection, irritation or other issues. It all starts with hygiene – clean hands are so important to reduce the spread of bacteria to the sensitive eye area.”
The proper cleaning, disinfection and storage of contact lenses are also critical to avoid infection. The CDC recommends those wearing reusable contact lenses always use fresh solution that has been recommended by an eye care professional, replace contact lenses as often as the doctor recommends and clean the contact lens case on a daily basis. Daily disposable contact lenses should be removed and discarded at the end of each day, and replaced with a fresh pair each morning.
Visiting an eye care professional once a year for a comprehensive eye exam is also highly recommended, not only for contact lens wearers, but for everyone.
“Before your appointment with your eye doctor, write down any questions you have, whether it’s about changes in your vision or options for vision correction,” Dr. Knight suggests. “If your lifestyle has changed since your last appointment or you are interested in a newer technology contact lens, tell your doctor. And remember, comprehensive eye exams are about more than getting a new prescription – your doctor can tell a lot about your overall health and the health of your eyes through an exam, even if your vision is fine. Remember, you only have one pair of eyes, so take care of them!”
For more information on Contact Lens Health Week or to download educational and promotional materials, visit the CDC’s website.
About Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. is committed to creating life-long solutions to vision care needs. Since the ACUVUE® Brand made its debut in 1987 as the world’s first disposable soft contact lens, the company has repeatedly brought innovative, quality, and scientific advancements to the industry. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, the company has some 3,000 employees worldwide. For more information, visit www.AcuvueProfessional.com.