Tips for Maintaining Healthy Eyes While Wearing Contact Lenses
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Contact lenses are a fantastic alternative to traditional Spectacles, offering clear vision without the need for frames. However, to ensure your eyes stay healthy and comfortable, it's crucial to practice proper care and hygiene. Whether you're a seasoned contact lens wearer or considering making the switch, these tips will help you maintain optimal eye health.
1. Wash Your Hands Thoroughly
Before handling your contact lenses, always wash your hands with mild soap and water. This simple step helps prevent the transfer of dirt, bacteria, and other debris to your lenses and, subsequently, to your eyes.
2. Follow a Strict Cleaning Routine
Whether you use daily disposables, monthly, or 2-weekly lenses, it's essential to follow the recommended cleaning routine. Use the appropriate contact lens solution to clean and disinfect your lenses, ensuring they are free from protein deposits and bacteria. You should always refer to a qualified eyecare professional regarding different types of contact lens solution suitable for your eyes and your lenses. Some contact lens solutions contain peroxide, which is not advisable on soft contact lenses
3. Replace Your Lenses on Schedule
Different types of contact lenses have varying lifespans. Follow the recommended replacement schedule provided by your eye care professional. Using lenses beyond their designated timeframe can lead to discomfort, increased risk of infection, and compromised vision.
4. Avoid Sleeping in Your Lenses
Unless your eye care professional recommends otherwise, it's best to avoid sleeping in your contact lenses. Extended wear can reduce oxygen flow to the cornea, increasing the risk of infections and other complications, such as; Corneal Hypoxia, Corneal Swelling, Corneal Ulcers and dry eyes to name a few. Give your eyes a break by removing your lenses before bedtime.
Whether you use daily disposables, monthly, or 2-weekly lenses, it's essential to follow the recommended cleaning routine. Use the appropriate contact lens solution to clean and disinfect your lenses, ensuring they are free from protein deposits and bacteria. You should always refer to a qualified eyecare professional regarding different types of contact lens solution suitable for your eyes and your lenses. Some contact lens solutions contain peroxide, which is not advisable on soft contact lenses
3. Replace Your Lenses on Schedule
Different types of contact lenses have varying lifespans. Follow the recommended replacement schedule provided by your eye care professional. Using lenses beyond their designated timeframe can lead to discomfort, increased risk of infection, and compromised vision.
4. Avoid Sleeping in Your Lenses
Unless your eye care professional recommends otherwise, it's best to avoid sleeping in your contact lenses. Extended wear can reduce oxygen flow to the cornea, increasing the risk of infections and other complications, such as; Corneal Hypoxia, Corneal Swelling, Corneal Ulcers and dry eyes to name a few. Give your eyes a break by removing your lenses before bedtime.
5. Stay Hydrated and Use Lubricating Drops
Dry eyes can be a common issue for contact lens wearers. Stay hydrated by drinking an adequate amount of water and consider using lubricating eye drops like Hycosan to keep your eyes moist. This is especially important if you spend long hours in front of a computer or in dry environments.
6. Protect Your Eyes from UV Radiation
If your contact lenses don't provide UV protection, consider wearing sunglasses that block harmful UV rays. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can contribute to eye conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
7. Remove Your Lenses if You Experience Discomfort
If you experience any discomfort, redness, or irritation while wearing your contact lenses, remove them immediately. Continuing to wear lenses in such conditions can exacerbate the issue. If discomfort persists, consult your eye care professional.
8. Attend Regular Eye Exams and Contact lens checks
Even if you don't wear prescription lenses, regular eye exams are essential for maintaining overall eye health. Your optician can identify any potential issues early on and ensure your lenses are the right fit for your eyes. Contact lens checks are more regular on a yearly basis. The reason is because contact lenses sit on the eye meaning more reason for complications to occur. Your contact lens check up looks at the eye in a different way to a standard eye test, examining the corneal front surface, and prescriptions can vary between spectacles and contact lenses.
By incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you can enjoy the benefits of clear vision while minimising the risk of discomfort and eye-related complications. Remember, your eye health is a priority, and proper contact lens care is the key to keeping your eyes happy and healthy.