LensAlert helps contact lens wearers maintain eye health

August 16, 2010

A recent study published in the journal Pediatrics indicates that over 145,000 children and teens are taken into the emergency room for injuries involving medical devices. A quarter of those trips to the emergency room are caused by improper use of contact lenses, such as wearing lenses for too long.

A new invention known as the LensAlert Reminder Timer aims to lower these numbers. The device uses a digital timer to track the amount of time a person has been wearing their contact lenses. Once the timer has been set, LensAlert counts down the days and then flashes when it's time to change contact lenses.

This may be a particularly useful tool for children and teens, who may have a harder time remembering how long they've been wearing their contact lenses. Timely replacement of lenses can help keep eyes free of bacteria and infection.

According to the American Optometric Association, those who wear contact lenses should be sure to remove them before swimming or entering a hot tub. It may be helpful to have a pair of eyeglasses on hand when not wearing contact lenses.