Considering contact lenses? Get expert tips on keeping your eyes healthy while using contacts, including proper cleaning solutions, case maintenance, and when to avoid wearing them.
Okay, so, have you been considering contact lenses? Wondering how to keep your peepers happy and healthy while rocking those lenses? It’s mostly smooth sailing, but a few little things can trip you up if you’re not careful. Let’s explore some tips and guidance for taking care of your contact lenses, and keeping those eyes sparkling!
- Guidelines When Using Contact Lenses
- Providing the Right Solution for Contact Lenses
- Change the Contact Lens Storage Case
- Avoid Wearing Contact Lenses in the Cold
- Avoid Swimming While Wearing Contact Lenses
- Give Your Eyes a Break From Contact Lenses
- Key takeaways
- FAQ, Myth & Facts
We’ll get into a bunch of tips and tricks in a sec about keeping your eyes happy while wearing contacts. That said, here’s a quick overview of things you should keep in mind when using contacts:
Guidelines When Using Contact Lenses
Alright, so here’s the lowdown:
1. Providing the Right Solution for Contact Lenses
You gotta make sure you’re using a legit, sterile contact lens solution before popping those lenses in. This stuff is super important for keeping your lenses clean for their next use. We’ve noticed…using the wrong solution can, um, well cause problems down the road. Make sure you are being very careful of your solution’s expiration date, and replacing it with a fresh one as needed. Why’s this so important? Glad you asked!
- The solution keeps your lenses clean, y’know, so they don’t mess with your eyes. I mean, that’s the point, right?
- Using expired solution can breed bacteria and other nasties. We’ve all seen that horror movie!
2. Change the Contact Lens Storage Case
That little case you use every night needs some love too. You’re using it to keep your lenses all nice and protected from gunk. It can actually become a breeding ground for germs and bacteria if you’re not careful. And remember these tips to keep that case clean:
- Replace your contact lens case every month or so – it’s a cheap and easy way to prevent infections.
- Clean your case with contact lens solution, let it air dry upside down. Ditch the tap water.
- Avoid using anything else to clean the case other than a specific contact lens cleaning solution.
3. Avoid Wearing Contact Lenses in the Cold
If you’re someone who deals with seasonal allergies and the itchiness that comes along with it, wearing contacts can sometimes make things worse. Contacts can trap allergens, creating a barrier that keeps moisture and other irritants locked against your eye. But some lenses, though, can become irritating when your eyes are already dry and itchy.
Also, if you’re dealing with cold weather or allergies, it’s a good idea to avoid wearing contacts. Instead, reach for your glasses. Here’s why:
- It’s important to use eye drops regularly, especially during allergy season.
- Rubbing your eyes can make things worse. It can actually damage the cornea without you even realizing it.
After you’re feeling better, give your lenses a good clean before wearing them again. Maybe even consider replacing them.
4. Avoid Swimming While Wearing Contact Lenses
Wearing contacts while swimming can be a risky business, mainly because of those pesky microorganisms lurking in the water. One of those is Acanthamoeba, it’s a critter that lives in water. It can attach to contact lenses when you expose them to water. That means your eyes could be in big trouble. We’re talking about seriously damaging infections.
This is a pretty nasty situation, even though it’s rare. Treatment can be a real pain, and sometimes it might involve a bunch of different antibiotics. And, get this, sometimes the cornea is damaged, and might require corneal transplant. So here’s what we think:
- Don’t go swimming with your contacts if you can help it.
- Avoid wearing contacts in hot tubs or saunas. Those get pretty steamy, and that can lead to irritation.
- Grab some prescription swimming goggles for your eyes, so you can see underwater, and remove your contacts as soon as you get out of the water.
5. Give Your Eyes a Break From Contact Lenses
How often you wear your contacts can really affect your eyes. If you wear them every single day and constantly feel like something’s stuck in your eye, maybe you shouldn’t be wearing them for more than 3-4 hours a day. Daily wear is totally fine, but you should probably give your eyes a break sometimes, letting them breathe properly.
Generally speaking, wearing contacts for long periods can sometimes lead to an increased risk of corneal infections, like corneal neovascularization in the cornea. The cornea needs oxygen, and wearing contacts all the time can prevent enough oxygen from reaching the eyes. The blood vessels might appear on the eyes; that isn’t good because that makes it easier to get an infection.
Finally, make sure to remove your lenses before going to sleep. Sleeping in your contacts mostly deprives your eyes of needed oxygen. This can also lead to dry eye, which can result in redness or closing and opening your eyes again after they’re stuck shut. Removing your contact lenses at night, though, makes things a lot easier.
We should also think about lens solutions and cleaning. We haven’t touched base with proper cleaning techniques so here’s what we found out. Regularly cleaning your contact lenses is essential to prevent the buildup of debris, proteins, and bacteria that can cause discomfort and increase the risk of eye infections. Use only sterile multi-purpose solutions recommended by your eye care professional to disinfect, rinse, and store your lenses. Avoid using tap water or saliva, as they can introduce harmful microorganisms to your lenses. Proper lens care not only ensures clear vision but also contributes significantly to long-term eye health and comfort.
Key takeaways
- Using contact lenses is convenient but does require careful attention to detail to avoid complications.
- Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling contact lenses to avoid introducing bacteria and debris to your eyes.
- Regular check-ups with an eye care professional are crucial to monitor your eye health and ensure your contact lenses fit properly and meet your vision needs.
FAQ, Myth & Facts
Can I use tap water to clean my contact lenses?
Nope! Tap water can contain harmful microorganisms that can cause serious eye infections. Always use sterile contact lens solution.
Is it okay to sleep in my contact lenses sometimes?
It’s best to remove your contacts before sleeping. Sleeping in lenses increases the risk of infection and corneal damage.
Can I wear my contact lenses while swimming?
Avoid wearing contacts while swimming because of the risk of infection from microorganisms in the water. If you must, use waterproof goggles.
How often should I replace my contact lens case?
Replace your contact lens case at least every three months to prevent bacterial contamination.
Myth: Contacts can get lost behind your eye.
Fact: It’s physically impossible for a contact lens to get lost behind your eye. The conjunctiva, a membrane that covers the white part of your eye, prevents this from happening.
I was always nervous about wearing contacts, but my eye doctor gave me great advice on how to care for them. The biggest thing I learned was the importance of keeping them clean. Now, I make sure to follow all the cleaning steps, and my eyes feel great.
I used to think I could get away with not cleaning my lenses every day. After getting a pretty nasty eye infection, I realized how important it is to follow the cleaning instructions. Now, I’m super strict about my lens care routine.
As a busy mom, I sometimes cut corners with my contact lens care. But after learning about the risks of sleeping in lenses and using tap water, I made a change. Now, I always take my lenses out at night and only use the right solutions.
So, taking care of your contacts is all about making smart choices. Keep those lenses clean, ditch ‘em before swimming, and let your eyes breathe. It’s a simple routine that keeps your vision clear and your eyes happy, so you can keep enjoying those lenses!
