Getting rid of those glasses, what a great feeling that is!
Though contact lenses could be one of the best things invented for people who hate wearing glasses, care needs to be taken while wearing them.
A report recently published warns that certain bad habits related to contact lenses can lead to permanent damage to the eyes.
Most people who wear contact lens do not take care of the lenses and are at a high risk of eye infection. How you handle your contact lenses will determine how it pays off in the long run.
Contact lenses can be a safe and effective form of vision correction if cared for as recommended.
- Never sleep in your contacts lens. Did you know that there are antibodies on the surface of your eyes that protect them? These antibodies need oxygen to fight off
germs. When we are asleep, and our eyes are closed, the oxygen supply is reduced. Now, if you wear contact lens and go to bed, there is hardly any oxygen. This can be
very harmful to your eyes.
- Never handle your lenses with dirty hands. Always clean your hands before handling your contacts. Make sure you wash your hands with soap to avoid transferring
dirt and germs from your fingers.
- Always rub your contacts while cleaning. Always give your lenses a rub gently between your fingers to remove germs and protein buildup. Let your lenses soak
overnight. It ensures that any small dirt can get disposed during
this time.
- Never let the tip of the solution bottle to come in contact with any other surface. Always tightly close the bottle after use.
- Never use the same contact lens case for an extended period. Change the lens case at least every three months as they can be a source of infection.
- Never reuse old contact lens solution. Always dispose the old lens solution. Change the solution daily. Empty the case after putting in your contacts, rinse it with fresh solution, dry it with a clean tissue and store it upside down until you are ready to use it again.
- Never shower and swim with your contacts lens. Keep your lenses away from water to avoid a potentially blinding infection caused by an amoeba called Acanthamoeba. Bacteria and parasites in water can get into your eyes, causing infection.
- Never wear your lenses for too long.Try to avoid wearing lens when you are at home. Wear your glasses on these days, and your eyes will thank you for this. Never keep your contact lens on for more than 12 hours a day.
- Never use your lenses past their expiration date. Follow the instructions on your contact lens pack. Even if you are comfortable wearing your current lens, check if you
are using them past their expiration date. This way, you can keep your eyes safe from infection and hypersensitivity.
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- Never use lenses that have been stored away for more than 30 days. If you have to store the lenses for a longer period, it is recommended that you disinfect the lens
before you wear them again. Try to change the solution during the storage period.
What are the Symptoms of Eye Irritation or Infection?
Look out for the following symptoms
discomfort
excess tearing or other discharge
unusual sensitivity to light
itching, burning, or gritty feelings
unusual redness
blurred vision
swelling
pain
To sum up, all contact lens users must follow a few guidelines consistently to avoid eye infection and damage.
Rub and rinse your contact lenses
Clean and disinfect your lenses properly.
Never reuse any lens solution.
Do not expose your contact lenses to water. Never use tap water, saline solution or purified water to clean your lenses as tap water can cause Acanthamoeba keratitis, a corneal infection that is very dangerous.
Replace your contact lens storage case every three months or as directed by your eye care professional.
Never wet your lenses with saliva.
Never put a lens on the eye if it falls on the without cleaning and storing again.
Never use a lens if it is dirty or damaged.
If you feel that your eyes don’t feel right, immediately discontinue use and visit your doctor.
Never store solution in bottles other than the original.
Even if you are tired or unwell do not go to bed with the lens.
Never wear your lenses when showering even if you keep your eyes firmly closed.
Do not suddenly change the solution you use before consulting your doctor.
Never use any eye drops without consulting your ophthalmologist.
Never share contact lenses.
If you have to store the lenses for a more extended period, follow the instructions to determine if you need to re-disinfect the lenses before wearing them again. Try to
avoid wearing lens that has been stored in the same solution up to 30 days.
