The information contained herein is not intended as a substitute for medical advice and care from qualified doctors of optometry. The reader should regularly consult a doctor in matters relating to his or her health and particularly with respect to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention. 

• What is 20/20 vision?
  
• Is 25/25 vision better than 20/20?
  
• Why do some people have less than 20/20?
  
• If my vision is less than optimum, what can I do?
  
• When should children have their vision checked?
  
• What is astigmatism?
  
• What is nearsightedness?
  
• What is farsightedness?
  
• What is presbyopia?
  
• What are spots, floaters, and flashes?
  
• What is color blindness?
  
• What is double vision?
  
• What is glaucoma?
  
• What is a cataract?
  
• What is keratoconus (conical cornea)?
  
• What is dry eye?
  
• What is conjunctivitis?
  
• What is a stye?
  
• Are contacts for you?
  
• What are the advantages of wearing contact lenses?
  
• What are the disadvantages of wearing contact lenses?
  
• How do contact lenses correct vision?
  
• Why replace contact lenses frequently?
  
• When can you begin wearing contact lenses?
  
• Colored contacts
  
• Can I store contact lenses in tap water?
  
• Can I lose a lens behind my eye?
  
• How can I tell if I have the lens in the wrong eye?
  
• How can I tell if a soft lens is inside out?
  
• My lens has a very small chip or tear in the edge but it doesn't bother me. Should I replace it anyway?
  
• How do I know when to dispose of disposable lenses? They seem to be OK longer than I expected.
  
• My eyes get dry. What kind of eye drops can I use?
  
• There are so many solutions out there, how do I know which is best?

There are so many solutions out there, how do I know which is best?

Rule one: do not "mix and match" contact lens products. The chemicals used within any one care system are designed to be compatible. Using alternative products could create chemical reactions which could damage or discolor the lenses, irritate your eyes, or reduce the desired effect of the product. Unless you're a chemist, don't do it.

Rule two: When it comes to saline, you have a choice between unpreserved and preserved products. Unpreserved is preferable, and if your system requires unpreserved, that's what you use. Within each of those categories (preserved or unpreserved), choose the least expensive. Saline is saline: salt in sterile, distilled water with a few buffers added.

Note: Be careful to keep your lens care products clean. Do not touch the tip of the bottles to any surface. If you do, quickly discard the next few drops. Always close the container with the original top immediately after use