Contact lenses are the modern age wonders where they can be used to correct one’s sight, make life easier and also enhance beauty without wearing glasses. However, like any other medical device, they also need to be used and taken care of with caution. Failure to maintain hygiene and handle them correctly can result in infections, discomfort, and in some cases, damage the eyes. The lens-wearing experience is further complicated for many users by dryness, allergies or the use of inappropriate cleaning techniques. Here’s a step-by-step guide so that your lenses can always remain comfortable, safe, and functional.
1. Clean Your Hands Thoroughly Before Handling Lenses
Dirty hands are among the most common reasons for lens contamination since they leave germs or viruses that can cause complicated eye infections such as keratitis. So before putting on your contact lenses for eyesight, make sure you wash your hands with mild fragrance free soap and warm water. It is best to avoid soaps that have added moisturisers. These soaps may leave behind a residue. It is also advisable that you dry your hands with a lint free towel since these tiny fibres may end up on the lenses causing irritation.
2. Follow the Cleaning Instructions for Your Lenses
Daily, bi-weekly, and monthly lenses have their requirements regarding cleaning and maintenance. For instance, there are solutions from contact lens Alcon that can be used to disinfect lenses by removing things such as protein deposits, bacteria or debris. Other solutions like tap water, saline or homemade solutions are not good enough and can introduce pathogens such as Acanthamoeba, a microorganism capable of causing serious infections. Be strict in the discipline of cleaning; frequent undermining of the practice will have irreversible effects in the future.
3. Store Lenses in the Proper Solution
One of the most commonly made mistakes by users is to reuse lens solution which most of them think is economical. Also, this practice definitely leads to a great increase in the risk of bacterial growth. Never store your contact lenses for eyes in an old solution, always replace them with a new one. With regard to the size of the case, ensure that it is placed in a manner that the lenses are completely submerged in the solution so that they remain clean and moist. When travelling, travel sized bottles of your solution should be carried to prevent compromise on hygiene.
4. Replace Your Contact Lens Case Regularly
If you store your contact lenses in a case that isn’t properly cleaned and replaced, it may harbour all sorts of bacteria, fungi, and biofilms. If this is the case, it is recommended to scrub the contact lens case with a disinfecting solution every single day and allow it to fully dry. Make sure to replace your contact lens case every three months or when you see any signs of damage including cracks or stains.
5. Avoid Sleeping in Your Contact Lenses
Unless your lenses are specifically approved for overnight wear, sleeping in them is a serious risk. Contact lenses can block oxygen from entering your eye, which will cause problems like corneal hypoxia. The immune response becomes weakened and leaves the eye prone to developing infections. Throughout the daytime, when contact lenses are worn, some particles may get stuck underneath the lenses. When it is time to sleep, if the contact lenses are not removed, these particles can cause irritation or even scratches to the eyeball from the contact lenses.
6. Never Share Your Contact Lenses
Sharing contact lenses is an easy way to pass on bacteria and viruses. Even though someone may have the same prescription as you do, your eye has a different microbiome than someone else's. Hazards in these lenses could damage your eyes. Lenses are medical devices and should be handled with care like any other personal stuff.
7. Be Mindful of Makeup and Other Products
Makeup chunks sticking onto contact lenses is a major problem for many lens users due to particles getting trapped. If you don’t want this to happen, make sure to put in your contact lenses for eyes first, then put on make-up, and remove the lenses when taking off the make-up. Your aim should be to use water based and hypo allergenic products and avoid applying eyeliner on the inner lash line as it could come off directly onto the lenses.
Thus, hair sprays, perfumes and aerosol products should be carefully used in the vicinity of the lenses, because they leave a film on the lens which is sometimes impossible to wipe off.
8. Monitor Expiration Dates
The official end date of applying the contact lenses with the use of any solution is an important aspect. Lenses more than the recommended aging period may have incorporated material that was breathtaking when the lenses were still in working condition, while expired solutions don’t have the power to disinfect. This combination may incite irritations, infections, or even corneal ulcers. Monitor the expiration dates on your items and throw them away when necessary.
9. Stay Hydrated and Use Artificial Tears
The use of contact lenses for long periods and people who use lenses in more AC induced environments regularly report dry eyes. Doing so is often as easy as drinking enough water during the day. Also, remember to apply preservative-free artificial tears that help combat discomfort and are suitable for lenses. When cleaning your eyes, avoid any and all natural eye drops not prepared specifically for use with lenses because they will most likely damage or cloud the lenses used.
10. Schedule Regular Eye Exams
Eye check-up is not only applicable for prescription replacement but just as important for the health of the eyes and movement of the lenses. Numerous ailments such as corneal swelling or neovascularization can occur with no clinical symptoms whatsoever. Periodic check-ups help determine whether the prescription of eyes with contact lenses has changed and whether their vision has remained uncompromised.
Troubles commonly faced by lens wearers and how to handle them
Dryness of the Eyes: For this condition, first use good quality tear replacement. Second, limit excessive use of digital screens. Lastly, take eye rest after every few hours
Redness/Irritation: It’s probably caused by allergies or by some dirt trapped beneath the lens or some infection. Further, if the problem persists, get an optometrist’s supervision.
Blurriness to the Vision: This could be caused by the presence of protein deposits on the contact lens. Try to wash your lenses very well and renew them regularly.
Lens tears: If a lens tears while putting it in or lifting it up, don’t try to use it. It is good practice to have backup lenses handy to avoid getting in a tight spot.
Learning About The Disadvantages of Contact Lens
While contact lenses uses have a lot of advantages too, there are some shortcomings as well:
Price: Contact lenses like contact lenses Alcon and daily disposable ones are quite pricey.
Possibility For Infection: Insufficient hygiene practice can result in infection by bacteria, fungi, or parasites.
Not Usable for All Eye Patients: Lens users can’t be those with chronic dry eyes or certain disorders of the cornea since they are uncomfortable and dangerous.
These shortcomings when accompanied by proper care and directions make the use of lenses easy and comfortable.
Conclusion
The proper care for contact lenses is one of the most important ways to maintain the health of the eyes while aiming for optimal vision. If you keep in mind these 10 tips, you will be able to lessen the chances of getting and feeling discomfort. Do remember that your lenses are more than just a habit: they are a commitment.
