Whether you have just started wearing contact lenses or have been doing so for a while, you can never overestimate the importance of keeping your contacts nice and clean all the time. People opt for contact lenses for various reasons – for example, for aesthetical reasons or to quit relying on glasses, or to just help make things easier when it comes to enhancing their eyesight.
Seeing the flip side, no matter what your reason to wear contact lenses, it is critical that you keep them maintained and clean as dirty and damaged contact lenses can lead to a slew of mild and unpleasant eye complications and infections. In light of this, mentioned below are some possible risk factors that can contribute to an eye infection:
- Poor hygiene
- Reduction of tear exchange in the eye
- Environmental factors
- Extended wear of contact lenses
However, taking care of your contact lenses is equal to taking care of your eyes and requires a great deal of attention to avoid stepping into a world of irritation and eye pain. But don’t worry, we have you covered – here are some streamlined guidelines you should know to take care of your contacts:
Ways to Properly Care Your Contact Lenses
According to the Contact Lens Association for Ophthalmologists, there are a number of eye infections that depend on the type of contact lens a wearer uses. It is recommended to opt for disposable lenses for daily use as they are the safest type of contact lenses.
Using rigid gas permeable lenses is another alternative that can replace soft contact lenses. However, it is strongly recommended that you consult with your ophthalmologist before making a final decision.
Besides that, taking proper care of your lenses will not only help you keep them in good condition, but they will help enhance your vision and keep your eyes safe. Here is how you can take care of your lenses:
- Always wash your hands with a good antibacterial soap before handling your contact lenses. Rinse and dry your hands with a lint-free towel.
- Make sure you are not wearing your contact lenses when taking a bath – especially a hot water bath. The more you save them from water; the more they will be saved from bacterial contamination.
- Do not rinse or store your contact lenses in water, use proper contact solution to save them from countless dangerous viruses and microbes. There is a microbe called Acanthamoeba that is found in water and can stick to the upper layer of your contact lenses and infect the cornea.
- Avoid putting your lenses in your mouth to add some moisture. Your saliva can infect them as it is not a sterilized solution.
- Go to an eye care professional and replace your contact lens as per the prescribed schedule.
- Follow ‘rub and rinse’ method to clean your contact lenses. Rub the contact lenses with your fingers; rinse them in the solution before use.
