By Liv Tyree
Contact lenses are an excellent option for people who need vision correction and prefer not to wear glasses. They offer convenience, comfort, and the ability to engage in physical activities without the hindrance of glasses. However, wearing contact lenses comes with responsibilities. Proper care and attention are required to ensure that the lenses remain safe for use and that eye health is maintained. Without proper maintenance, contact lenses can cause eye irritation, infections, and long-term vision problems. To help you protect your eyes while wearing contacts, here are some essential eye care tips that every contact lens wearer should follow.
1. Clean Your Hands Thoroughly Before Handling Lenses
One of the most important steps in contact lens care is maintaining clean hands. Before touching your lenses, always wash your hands with soap and water, ensuring you dry them with a lint-free towel. This prevents dirt, bacteria, or other contaminants from transferring to your lenses or your eyes, reducing the risk of infections. Avoid using soaps with moisturizers or fragrances, as they may leave a residue that can irritate your eyes. Hand hygiene is one of the simplest yet most effective methods to keep your lenses and eyes safe.
2. Follow the Recommended Cleaning Routine
Cleaning your contact lenses regularly is essential for preventing the buildup of harmful bacteria, proteins, and other substances. Always use the lens solution recommended by your optometrist or the lens manufacturer to clean your lenses, as other solutions or tap water may damage the lenses or introduce harmful pathogens. Never use saliva or any other non-sterile liquids to moisten or clean your lenses. Follow the cleaning instructions carefully to disinfect your lenses properly and avoid eye irritation or infection.
It’s also crucial to clean the lens case regularly. Wash it with fresh contact lens solution (not water) and allow it to air dry completely. Replace your lens case every three months to prevent bacterial growth and contamination.
3. Avoid Wearing Lenses Beyond the Recommended Time
Each type of contact lens has a recommended wear time, whether daily, weekly, or monthly. Exceeding the recommended wearing time can lead to a buildup of proteins and lipids on the lenses, reducing their effectiveness and causing discomfort or irritation. Prolonged use can also deprive the cornea of necessary oxygen, leading to dryness, redness, and even corneal ulcers.
Always adhere to the wearing schedule outlined by your eye care professional, and be mindful of the need to remove your lenses when you sleep (unless you are using lenses designed for extended wear). If you feel discomfort or notice changes in your vision, take your lenses out immediately and consult your optometrist.
4. Replace Lenses as Directed
Replacing your contact lenses as recommended is a crucial part of maintaining eye health. Whether you wear daily, bi-weekly, or monthly lenses, following the prescribed replacement schedule will help you avoid complications such as infections, eye dryness, and discomfort. Keeping your lenses in longer than recommended leads to an accumulation of bacteria and debris, which can contribute to infections.
Additionally, lenses that are past their expiration date may become brittle and lose their shape, which can lead to irritation or difficulty seeing clearly. Make sure to keep track of the lifespan of your lenses and replace them on schedule to protect your eyes.
5. Keep Lenses Moisturized
One of the common problems with contact lenses is dryness, which can cause discomfort and blurred vision. Dryness occurs when your lenses do not retain enough moisture or when you wear them for an extended period. To prevent dry eyes, consider using lubricating eye drops that are compatible with your lenses. These drops will help keep your eyes comfortable throughout the day and prevent them from feeling dry or irritated.
Avoid using non-prescription eye drops that contain preservatives, as these may damage the lenses. Always choose preservative-free eye drops that are specifically formulated for use with contact lenses. If you experience persistent dryness or discomfort, consult your eye care provider, as you may need a different type of lens or a change in your lens care routine.
6. Avoid Water Exposure
Water can introduce harmful bacteria and microorganisms to your lenses, leading to serious eye infections. Whether it’s swimming in a pool, taking a shower, or swimming in a lake, it’s crucial to avoid exposing your contact lenses to water. Even tap water can contain contaminants that may not only irritate the eyes but also cause corneal infections, such as Acanthamoeba keratitis.
Always remove your lenses before swimming or showering, and ensure that your lenses stay dry in any situation involving water. If your lenses come into contact with water, dispose of them and replace them with fresh lenses. This is one of the best ways to prevent eye infections.
7. Regular Eye Checkups and Professional Cleaning
Regular visits to your eye care provider are vital for maintaining optimal eye health. During an eye exam, your optometrist will check the health of your eyes and ensure that your contact lenses are fitting correctly. Ill-fitting lenses can cause discomfort and increase the risk of infection. Additionally, if you wear contact lenses for extended periods or if you notice any changes in your vision, eye exams can help identify potential problems early.
Your eye doctor can also recommend specialized cleaning methods or solutions if you have specific needs, such as dry eyes or sensitivity to certain materials. Regular checkups also give your optometrist the opportunity to monitor the health of your eyes and make adjustments to your prescription as necessary.
8. Don’t Share Your Lenses
Sharing contact lenses is not only unhygienic but also dangerous. Even if two individuals have the same prescription, sharing lenses can lead to the transfer of bacteria, fungi, or viruses from one person to another, increasing the risk of infections. Always ensure that your lenses are your personal property and are never shared with anyone.
If you accidentally wear someone else’s lenses, remove them immediately and replace them with your own. If you experience any discomfort, redness, or irritation, contact your eye care provider as soon as possible.
9. Keep Lenses Safe While Traveling
When traveling, it’s essential to carry the right tools for maintaining your contact lenses. Bring enough lens solution, a clean lens case, and any prescribed medications or eye drops you may need. If you’re flying, make sure to store your solution in a travel-sized bottle that complies with airline regulations for liquids. Keeping a spare pair of lenses is also a good idea in case your primary set is damaged or lost.
Additionally, be mindful of the air quality and climate during travel. Dry or smoky environments can exacerbate dry eye symptoms, so ensure that you use moisturizing drops regularly and take breaks from wearing your lenses when necessary.
10. Know When to Replace Your Lens Type
Different types of contact lenses cater to different needs. For example, if you have dry eyes or sensitivity, it might be worth switching to lenses designed to retain moisture or ones made from more breathable materials. Talk to your optometrist about your specific eye health needs, and be open to switching to lenses that better suit your lifestyle.
Some people also need specialty lenses, such as toric lenses for astigmatism or multifocal lenses for presbyopia. Ensure you get a proper prescription tailored to your vision needs to achieve the best results and protect your eye health.
Final Thoughts
By following these essential tips for contact lens care, you can help maintain the health of your eyes and enjoy clear vision without discomfort or the risk of infections. Proper hygiene, regular eye exams, and careful maintenance are all key factors in ensuring the safety and longevity of your lenses. Taking the time to follow these guidelines not only improves your comfort but also contributes to the long-term health of your eyes. Whether you’re a first-time wearer or have been using contacts for years, it’s always essential to stay informed and committed to proper care.
