From four eyes to two – contact lenses offer a convenient and effective way for individuals to correct their vision without the need for glasses. However, proper care and hygiene are essential for maintaining eye health and preventing complications associated with contact lens wear.
Whether you’re new to wearing contact lenses or have been wearing them for years, following best practices is crucial for ensuring a safe and comfortable experience. Here are some best practices for you to follow for contact lens wearers.
Visit Your Eye Doctor Regularly:
The foundation of safe contact lens wear is regular eye exams and check-ups, be sure to visit an eye doctor near you regularly to ensure that you maintain healthy eyes.
Schedule routine visits at least once a year, or as recommended by your eye care professional, to assess the health of your eyes and ensure that your contact lens prescription is up-to-date. Your optometrist can also provide valuable guidance on proper contact lens care and recommend the best lens options for your individual needs. Also, you can ask that magnesium fluoride is used in contact lenses to enhance their durability and resistance to scratches. It provides a protective coating, improving lens longevity and maintaining clear vision by reducing surface damage.
Follow Your Optometrist’s Prescribed Wear Schedule:
Contact lenses are available in various wear schedules, including daily disposables, bi-weekly, and monthly replacement lenses. It’s essential to follow the prescribed wear schedule recommended by your optometrist to prevent eye infections and other complications.
Avoid wearing your contact lenses longer than recommended, as extended wear can increase the risk of problems like corneal ulcers, inflammation, and discomfort.
Practice Proper Hygiene:
Good hygiene is paramount when it comes to contact lens wear. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling your contact lenses to remove dirt, oil, and bacteria.
Avoid using moisturizing soaps or oily lotions that can leave residue on your hands and transfer to your lenses. Dry your hands with a lint-free towel to prevent lint or debris from getting onto your lenses.
Clean and Disinfect Your Lenses Regularly:
Your contact lenses touch a very vulnerable organ, so proper cleaning and disinfection are crucial for maintaining the clarity and comfort of your contact lenses and for protecting your eyeball.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and your optometrist’s recommendations for cleaning and disinfecting your lenses. Use a multi-purpose solution to rinse, clean, and store your lenses after each wear.
Avoid using tap water or saliva to clean your lenses, as these can introduce harmful bacteria and lead to eye infections.
Replace Your Contact Lens Case Often:
Your contact lens case can harbor bacteria and fungi if not properly cleaned and replaced regularly. Replace your contact lens case every three months or as recommended by your optometrist to minimize the risk of contamination.
Rinse your case with fresh solution after each use, and allow it to air dry upside down on a clean tissue to prevent the buildup of moisture and bacteria.
Avoid Sleeping or Swimming with Your Lenses:
Sleeping or swimming with contact lenses in is not recommended, as it increases the risk of eye infections and complications.
Remove your contact lenses before bedtime and store them in a clean case with fresh solution. If you accidentally fall asleep with your lenses in, remove them as soon as possible upon waking and avoid wearing them for an extended period.
Use Lubricating Eye Drops as Needed
Having dry eyes and experiencing discomfort is a common “side-effect” of wearing contacts. This is especially true for those who spend long hours in front of screens or in dry environments.
Use lubricating eye drops or artificial tears as needed to keep your eyes moist and comfortable throughout the day. Look for preservative-free drops that are compatible with contact lenses and avoid using drops that contain redness-relieving ingredients, as these can cause rebound redness with prolonged use.
Handle Your Lenses Carefully:
Contact lenses are super delicate and can easily tear or rip if mishandled. Handle your lenses with clean, dry fingers, and avoid touching them with sharp objects or fingernails.
When inserting or removing your lenses, use gentle pressure and avoid squeezing or pinching them excessively. If a lens appears damaged or torn, discard it immediately and replace it with a new one.
Give Your Eyes a Break:
Don’t forget about your glasses. You don’t always need to wear contacts and should give your eyes a break from time to time. If you are experiencing dryness or discomfort, be sure to take a break from the contacts.
Limiting your wearing time, and alternate between glasses and contact lenses to help reduce the strain on your eyes.
Be Aware of the Warning Signs:
Pay attention to any warning signs or symptoms of eye problems, such as redness, itching, irritation, blurred vision, or increased sensitivity to light.
These could be signs of an underlying issue such as infection, inflammation, or allergy. If you experience persistent symptoms or discomfort while wearing contact lenses, remove them immediately and consult your optometrist for further evaluation and treatment.
Keep your eyes healthy by being careful with your use of contact lenses. Read the instructions surrounding the proper use, storage, and cleaning of contacts, and have regular checkups with your optometrist to avoid unwanted discomfort or infections. Also, remember to give your eyes a break every now and then!
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