Contact lenses offer a convenient and effective alternative to glasses, providing clear vision without the hassle of frames. However, wearing contact lenses requires careful attention to hygiene, proper handling, and eye health. Whether you’re a new wearer or have been using contacts for years, here are essential tips to ensure your eyes stay healthy and comfortable.
Always Wash Your Hands Before Handling Contacts
Clean hands are crucial when handling contact lenses. Before touching your lenses, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, and dry them with a lint-free towel. This step helps prevent bacteria, oils, and dirt from transferring to your lenses and potentially causing eye infections.
Follow the Correct Insertion and Removal Techniques
Proper insertion and removal techniques can make wearing contacts more comfortable and reduce the risk of damage to your lenses or eyes:
- Insertion: Place the lens on the tip of your index finger and ensure it’s not inside out (the edges should appear as a smooth bowl, not flared out). Gently pull down your lower eyelid, look upward, and place the lens on your eye.
- Removal: Look up, pull down your lower eyelid, and gently pinch the lens between your thumb and index finger to remove it.
Adhere to the Recommended Wearing Schedule
Wearing your contacts longer than recommended can lead to eye strain, dryness, and infections. Always follow the schedule prescribed by your eye care professional:
- Daily Wear: Designed to be worn during the day and removed before sleeping.
- Extended Wear: Some lenses are approved for overnight use, but they still require regular cleaning and replacement.
- Disposable Lenses: These should be discarded after the recommended period (daily, bi-weekly, or monthly), even if they still feel comfortable.
Avoid Sleeping in Your Contacts
Unless your lenses are specifically designed for overnight wear, avoid sleeping in them. Sleeping in contact lenses reduces oxygen supply to your eyes, increasing the risk of corneal infections and other complications. Even if your lenses are approved for overnight wear, it’s better to remove them regularly to give your eyes a break.
Clean and Store Your Lenses Properly
Proper lens care is vital to prevent eye infections:
- Use the Right Solution: Only use the contact lens solution recommended by your eye care professional. Never use water, saliva, or homemade solutions, as these can introduce harmful microorganisms.
- Rubbing and Rinsing: After removing your lenses, rub them gently with the solution to clean off any deposits. Rinse them thoroughly before placing them in your clean lens case.
- Lens Case Hygiene: Clean your lens case with fresh solution daily and let it air dry. Replace your lens case every three months to avoid bacterial buildup.
Protect Your Eyes from Water
Water can introduce harmful bacteria and microorganisms into your eyes, leading to serious infections. Avoid wearing contacts while swimming, showering, or using a hot tub. If water exposure is unavoidable, consider wearing waterproof goggles or removing your lenses beforehand.
Keep Your Eyes Moisturized
Contact lenses can sometimes cause dryness, especially if you spend long hours in front of screens or in air-conditioned environments. Use rewetting drops recommended by your eye care professional to keep your eyes moist and comfortable throughout the day.
Watch for Signs of Discomfort or Infection
It’s important to listen to your eyes. If you experience redness, irritation, blurred vision, or any unusual discomfort while wearing your contacts, remove them immediately and consult your eye care professional. These could be signs of an eye infection or other serious issues that need prompt attention.
Avoid Wearing Expired or Damaged Lenses
Wearing contact lenses beyond their expiration date or using lenses that are damaged can harm your eyes. Expired lenses may not provide the same level of comfort and oxygen permeability, while damaged lenses can cause scratches or irritations. Always inspect your lenses for any tears or irregularities before wearing them.
Schedule Regular Eye Check-Ups
Even if you don’t experience any issues, regular eye exams are essential for maintaining eye health. Your eye care professional can check for any potential problems, update your prescription, and ensure that your lenses are still the best fit for your eyes.
Wearing contact lenses can be a safe and convenient way to correct your vision, but it requires diligence and care. By following these guidelines, you can keep your eyes healthy, comfortable, and free from infections. Always prioritize proper hygiene, adhere to recommended schedules, and consult your eye care professional if you have any concerns.
Image credits: Image by LipikStockMedia on Freepik
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