In an effort to improve contact lens safety, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has added new information on its website about the proper use of contact lens solutions.

The new FDA Web page contains a number of dos and don’ts for contact lens wearers, and emphasizes the need to rinse and empty contact lens storage cases after each use. Failure to do so increases the risk of eye infections — including bacterial and fungal eye infections that can cause permanent vision loss.

The FDA also has developed a new video on contact lens safety, which explains the components of proper contact lens care. The video and new Web page stress that for superior lens cleaning and to lower the risk of eye infections, consumers should use a rub-and-rinse cleaning method, even if they use “no-rub” multipurpose lens care products.

The new LensAlert Contact Lens Care Kit Value Wheel makes it easy to remember when your contact lenses and lens case need to be replaced.

With the LensAlert timer, you can set two separate countdowns for your contacts and case. The display flashes “0” when it’s time for a change. Seven, colorful lens cases are also included in the kit.

Following a replacement schedule is important to reduce your risk for eye infections. The replacement schedule for your contact lenses is specified by your eye doctor.

Typically cases should be replaced at least every three months, although some doctors recommend once a month. If used for too long, lens cases can become hotbeds for bacteria and fungi.

The kit can be purchased online or at optical stores and retail outlets.