The Do’s and Don’ts of Wearing Contact Lenses

Many people around the world choose to wear contact lenses to enhance their looks or correct their vision. However, a considerable percentage of them ignore or overlook the instructions concerning their proper care. Practicing bad habits and avoiding cleaning them often result in several issues. Some of them include infections and irritations of the eyes.

The Do’s

Here are some things you should do when dealing with your contact lenses.

Hygiene

Cleanliness is a vital factor in handling and caring for your contacts. Unclean hands often carry germs that can easily land in your eyes. Wash your hands thoroughly before wearing or removing your lenses. Ensure you use clear, fragrance-free soap that does not contain additives. Dry your hands with a clean, dry towel afterward.

Proper hygiene extends to how you care for your lens case. Periodically drain the contact lens solution and scrub it with your clean finger. After this, rinse and refill it with a new prescription solution. Dry it with a hand towel and store it facing downward, including the caps.

Wearing the Lenses

Both of your eyes may have different lens prescriptions. For this reason, it is best to always begin with the same one when wearing them. Doing this helps avoid confusion. Use the index finger to remove the lens from the case and place it onto your palm. After cleaning it with the solution, use the tip of the same finger to put it into your eye. 

Replacing Contacts

Only replace your contact lenses based on your doctor’s instructions. Get rid of disposable lenses according to the directions. Read the packaging to know if you should wear them daily, weekly, or monthly. However, gas-permeable lenses are different since you may only need to replace them annually unless there is another problem.

Avoid keeping your lenses on longer than you should. It can lead to discomfort and unhealthy eyes.

The Don’ts

Here are several practices to avoid if you want to benefit from contact lenses without undesirable consequences.

Buying Contacts

Avoid getting contact lenses without a doctor’s prescription. The same applies to decorative lenses that have no medical purposes. The surfaces of your eyes have unique properties that are different in every human being. Thus, always consult your doctor before purchasing and buying any contact lens, whether prescriptive or decorative. 

Handling Lens Solution

Avoid the temptation to store your lenses overnight in the previous day’s solution. Do not also top off the old solution or clean the contacts using water. Doing this puts you at risk of contracting Acanthamoeba keratitis. It is a rare and painful condition that has no form of treatment.

Bathing

Do not shower, bathe, or swim while wearing your contact lenses. They can store harmful germs when they come in contact with water. Exposing them to water will make them stick or warp around your eye. Such a scenario increases your risk of developing corneal abrasions. These are scratches in the cornea that cause noninfectious keratitis.

For more information on the do’s and don’ts of wearing contact lenses, call Battle Born Eye Care at (775) 360-6446 to reach our Reno, Nevada office.