Contact lenses are a safe and common form of vision correction. Nearly 41 million Americans use them today. The consequences of not using lenses as prescribed by an eye doctor can be serious and even cause permanent damage to the eyes.

A lot of contact lens wearers have bad habits. According to the American Optometric AssociationAccording to the 2015 American Eye-Q survey, 59% of contact lens wearers admitted that they have worn their disposable lenses for longer than they should. Failure to follow an eye doctor’s recommendations for changing your contact lenses can lead to permanent damage, including bacterial infections and oxygen deprivation.

It is important to take the proper precautions when caring for and wearing contacts in order to keep your eyes healthy. Wearers are encouraged to follow the AOA’s recommendations:

* Wash and dry hands before handling contact lenses;

* Use cleaning solution to rub the lenses with fingers and rinse thoroughly before soaking lenses overnight in multi-purpose disinfectant solution;

* Store lenses in a proper lens storage case and replace it every three months;

* Use fresh solution to clean and store contact lenses — never reuse old solution;

* Use products recommended by your eye doctor to clean and disinfect your lenses;

* Follow the recommended contact lens replacement schedule prescribed by your eye doctor; and

* Remove contact lenses before exposing them to water.

Contact lenses aren’t only for adults, it is important to remember. Contact lenses can be worn and maintained by children aged between 10-12 years. However, eye doctors believe that most children between these ages are mature enough to use contact lenses. Some children, especially those who wear daily disposable contacts, are still capable of caring for them.

AOA warns against wearing non-corrective, ornamental contact lenses. Many times these lenses are illegally acquired from sellers who don’t comply with safety or quality standards. Although these lenses may be considered fashion accessories, they can also be classified as medical devices, which pose the same safety issues and health risks as corrective contacts lenses. Only wear decorative contact lenses that have been prescribed by an eye doctor. Illegally purchased lenses could cause severe eye damage and irreversible vision loss.

Visit www.contactlenshygieny.com for more information. www.aoa.org.

Today’s life is very fast. People can check their kids’ soccer scores on the phone, while also sending emails to work with the help of digital technology. Consumers can expect the same conveniences and benefits from all businesses, even their insurance companies, thanks to the internet age. Although 98 per cent of insurance claims are processed within 30 working days, it can be frustrating for those who have difficulty paying their medical bills.

It’s not enough to simply be insured when nearly two-thirds American households make less than 2002. It is important to find out how fast and easy your insurance company processes and pays claims. This is important for both financial and medical recovery.

Recent research found that 66% would not be able to adjust to the high financial cost of serious illnesses or injuries. Only 49% have enough money to cover out-of pocket expenses. Employers are being forced to take cost-saving measures due to rising health care costs, which is putting even more financial pressure on employees.

* Increasing employees’ health care insurance copayments.

* Increasing employees’ share of premium.

* Implementing high-deductible health plans with health savings accounts.

Some people might have to wait as long as a month to receive their insurance payments. Many insurance companies strive to provide fast service with better technology and better understanding of customers’ needs. This is just one example. AflacIn the insurance industry, it is rare to find policies that allow for claims approval, processing, and payment within one day.

Fast payment policies are no longer luxury items of the past. It is now a necessity. It is more important than ever that you have money available immediately for serious injuries or illnesses. Your insurance company should be able to respond quickly.

Aflac’s One Day Pay Promise can be found at aflac.com/onedaypay.