Contact lenses are a great alternative to glasses. They are convenient, boost your confidence, and provide clear vision without the frames. However, with contact lenses comes a lot of responsibility. The care of the lenses is very important not only for the lifespan of your lenses but also for your eye health. In this blog, we will discuss how to take care of your lenses, why it is important, and what complications may arise if you do not. Stick around to the end for a special recommendation on eye care services!
Read more: Are contact lenses right for you?
Why Proper Lens Care is Important
When you wear contact lenses, they sit directly on your eyes. This close contact means that any dirt, bacteria, or mishandling can cause problems. Good lens care ensures:
- Healthy Eyes: Clean lenses help prevent infections and irritation.
- Comfort: Well-maintained lenses feel better in your eyes.
- Clear Vision: Proper care prevents buildup that can blur your vision.
- Lens Longevity: Following care instructions extend the life of your lenses.
Neglecting proper care can lead to serious eye problems. Let’s dive into the steps you can take to avoid these issues.
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How to Take Care of Your Contact Lenses
It is easy to take care of your lenses. Here’s how to keep your lenses, as well as your eyes, in the best shape:
1. Wash Your Hands Before Touching Lenses
Wash your hands with soap and water before touching your lenses. Wipe your hands with a lint-free towel to avoid spreading dirt or germs onto your lenses.
2. Clean Your Lenses Daily
Use a lens cleaning solution that your eye doctor recommends. Never use water, saliva, or homemade solutions to clean lenses. Here’s how to clean your lenses:
- Place the lens in the palm of your hand.
- Apply several drops of the solution
- Gently rub the lens using your fingertip for almost 20 seconds
- Rinse the lens with a solution before placing it in the case
3. Clean lens case
Rinse your lens case with the cleaning solution daily and let it air dry. To avoid bacterial buildup, change the case every three months.
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4. Adhere to Wearing Instructions
Wear your lenses only for the recommended duration. Some lenses are designed for daily use, while others are for extended wear. Overwearing your lenses can damage your eyes.
5. Never Sleep in Your Lenses (Unless Advised)
Unless your eye doctor has specifically prescribed lenses for overnight use, always remove them before going to bed. Sleeping in lenses increases the risk of infection.
6. Avoid Water
Never wear your lenses while swimming or showering, as water can introduce harmful bacteria to your eyes. If you must swim with lenses, wear goggles to protect them.
7. Don’t Ignore Discomfort
Remove the lenses if your lenses feel uncomfortable or your eyes become red or irritated. Discomfort is a sign that something might be wrong.
Read more: Dry Eyes: Find Relief for Scratchy, Irritated Eyes
What Happens if You Don’t Take Care of Your Lenses?
Neglecting proper lens care can lead to several complications. Some are minor, but others can cause serious damage to your eyes and vision.
1. Eye Infections
Bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms can grow on unclean lenses. Common infections include the following:
- Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): It causes redness, swelling, and discharge.
- Keratitis: This is a painful cornea infection that, if left untreated, may result in vision loss.
2. Corneal Ulcers
A corneal ulcer is an open sore on the cornea, usually caused by bacteria or poor lens care. Symptoms include pain, redness, and blurry vision. Surgery may be necessary in severe cases.
3. Dry Eyes
Improper lens hygiene can cause dryness and irritation in the eyes. This occurs when lenses disrupt your natural tear film or induce inflammation.
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4. Allergic Reactions
Poor lens cleaning may form deposits on the lens surface. These deposits may cause allergic reactions, resulting in redness, itchiness, and discomfort.
5. Corneal Scratches
Wearing dirty or damaged lenses can easily scratch your cornea, leading to pain, sensitivity to light, and potential infections.
6. Reduced Oxygen Supply
Your cornea takes oxygen from the air. Overwearing lenses or neglecting to clean them leads to a condition known as corneal hypoxia. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and blurred vision.
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Tips for Long-term Lens and Eye Care
To maintain healthy eyes and clear vision, adopt these habits:
- Visit your eye doctor regularly for checkups.
- Always follow the replacement schedule for your lenses.
- Use high-quality lens cleaning solutions.
- Avoid wearing lenses during eye infections or allergies.
- Take breaks from lenses to let your eyes breathe.
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When to See an Eye Doctor
If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your eye doctor immediately:
- Persistent redness or irritation.
- Blurred or reduced vision.
- Unusual discharge from your eyes.
- Sensitivity to light or sudden pain.
Prompt treatment can prevent minor issues from becoming serious complications.
Read more: Living with Glaucoma: A Clear Look at Management and Prevention
Recommended Eye Care Services
Taking good care of your lenses and eyes is made easier with professionals. For expert advice, thorough eye exams, and personalized care, we recommend [View Care Eye Services]. Their team of experienced eye care professionals can help you:
- Find the best lenses for your needs.
- Learn proper lens care techniques.
- Address any eye health concerns promptly.
Schedule a consultation today to keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear!
Taking good care of lenses doesn’t have to be painful. Simple daily habits and trust in professionals will benefit one from using contact lenses without risks. The best care for the eyes is priceless! Clear, healthy vision is indeed priceless!
