Keeping your eyes safe and healthy
Wearing contact lenses is a convenient way to correct your vision without the need for glasses. Contact lenses requires proper care and hygiene to ensure your eyes stay healthy. Inadequate care can lead to eye infections, irritation, and other serious complications. Whether you’re new to contacts or a seasoned wearer, here are some essential tips to help keep your eyes comfortable and safe whilst using contact lenses.
1. Wash your hands before handling lenses
This may seem like common sense, but many people forget or rush this crucial step. Before inserting or removing your contact lenses, always wash your hands with soap and water. Dry them with a lint-free towel. This helps prevent dirt, bacteria, and oils from getting on your lenses, which can cause eye infections like conjunctivitis or even more severe issues such as corneal ulcers.
2. Follow your doctor’s instructions
Your eye care professional will give you specific instructions on how to wear, clean, and store your contact lenses. It's essential to follow these guidelines to the letter. Whether you have daily, bi-weekly, or monthly contacts, using them beyond the recommended period can cause deposits to build up on the lenses, leading to discomfort and an increased risk of infection.
3. Clean your lenses properly
For reusable contact lenses, always use the recommended lens cleaning solution to disinfect and store them. Avoid using water, saliva, or any household liquids to clean your lenses, as these can introduce harmful bacteria to your eyes. Rub your lenses gently with your fingers to remove debris before rinsing them with fresh solution.
4. Replace your lens case regularly
Your contact lens case can harbour bacteria over time. Make sure to clean it with lens solution after each use, and let it air dry. Replace the case every month to minimise the risk of contamination. Never use tap water to clean your case, as it can introduce microbes that might harm your eyes.
5. Avoid sleeping in your contact lenses
Unless your eye doctor has prescribed extended wear lenses that are specifically designed for overnight use, avoid sleeping in your contacts. Sleeping in lenses reduces the amount of oxygen that reaches your corneas, increasing the risk of serious eye infections like keratitis.
6. Avoid contact with water
It’s important to remove your contact lenses before swimming, showering, or using a hot tub. Water, including tap water, can carry microorganisms that can bind to your lenses, potentially causing infections like Acanthamoeba keratitis, which is difficult to treat and can lead to vision loss.
7. Give your eyes a break
Even if you feel comfortable wearing your contact lenses all day, it’s a good idea to give your eyes a break from time to time. Overuse can cause dryness, irritation, or inflammation. If your eyes start feeling tired or dry, take out your lenses and use glasses for the rest of the day. Consider using lubricating eye drops made for contact lens wearers if you experience dryness.
8. Use fresh solution every time
Reusing old lens solution is a bad habit that can reduce the effectiveness of disinfection and expose your eyes to harmful bacteria. Always use fresh solution when storing your contact lenses, and never top up old solution.
9. Regular contact lens check ups
Regular eye exams are essential for contact lens wearers. Your eye doctor will check the health of your eyes, assess whether your prescription needs to be updated, and ensure your contact lenses fit properly. Even minor discomfort can be a sign of a problem, so be proactive in scheduling annual checkups.
10. Listen to your eyes
If your eyes are red, irritated, painful, or if your vision becomes blurry whilst wearing contact lenses, remove them immediately and give your eyes a break. If symptoms persist, consult your eye doctor as soon as possible. These could be signs of infection or an allergic reaction to the lenses or solution.
11. Stay hydrated
Hydration is key to maintaining eye moisture, especially for contact lens wearers. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to ensure that your body remains hydrated. Using lubricating eye drops can also help combat dryness, especially in environments with low humidity or during excessive screen time.
12. Choose the right type of contact lens
Different types of lenses are available for varying needs. Daily disposable lenses are a great option for those who want a low-maintenance routine, as they don't need to be cleaned and stored. If you experience frequent discomfort or dryness, consider switching to a different lens material or type. Your eye doctor can recommend lenses that best suit your lifestyle and eye health.
Looking for help with contact lenses?
Don’t hesitate, speak to us today! Our expert team is here to help. Contact lenses are a wonderful tool for vision correction, but keeping your eyes healthy requires attention to detail and hygiene.
By following these simple yet effective tips, you can avoid common issues like eye infection and discomfort. Remember, your eyes are precious, and taking good care of them should be a top priority.
If you have any concerns about your contact lenses or eye health, never hesitate to reach out to your eye care professional. They can provide tailored advice to help you maintain the best possible vision and comfort.