You know how important your eyesight is. Something that many contact lens wearers forget is the damage that the lenses can do if not used properly. You need to take a few steps on a daily basis to make sure you protect the health of your eye. The last thing you want is ulcers or infections, as they can lead to eyesight loss. Here are six must-follow tips when wearing contact lenses.
Wash Your Hands Every Single Time
You’re in a rush. Surely skipping this stage just once won’t matter. Stop right there! Your hands have so much dirt, grime and bacteria it is scary to consider.
Your nails are especially a problem. It’s essential to wash your hands every single time you put in or take out your contact lenses. The dirt can cause irritation but if left can lead to infection and scratches on the eye.
Clean Your Contact Lenses and Case
If you’re a monthly wearer, you need to make sure you clean your contact lenses on a daily basis.
All sorts can get on them, especially makeup. These lead to the lenses becoming cloudy and can be uncomfortable to wear. The case also needs cleaning out on a weekly to monthly basis. Your optician will be able to recommend the best time frame depending on the amount of time you wear your lenses.
Never Use Water!
There was a stage where people would lick their lenses to add moisture to them. You never ever want to use water on them. Water and saliva is not good enough for cleaning them to place them back in your eyes.
Always use the solution that comes with your lenses. If you have problems with daily lenses, you will need to discuss your options with your optician.
Change Your Solution Daily
Never put your contact lenses back in the solution from the morning. Overnight, some of the gunk that was on your contact lenses has gone into that solution.
You’re not going to protect them well enough the second night. If you really don’t have a choice for whatever reason, make sure you give the lenses a good clean the next morning.
Never Sleep In Your Lenses
There are now lenses designed for continuous wear, but you want to think about taking those out once a week or so. If you don’t have those specific lenses, you need to make sure you remove them at the end of the day (or whenever you go to sleep).
When you sleep in your lenses, you run the risk of infection due to overuse. Your eyes do not get the oxygen they need.
Replace Ripped Contact Lenses
Never put ripped contact lenses back in your eyes. Not only are they uncomfortable, but they can be dangerous.
If you don’t have another pair, you either need to wear your glasses or purchase another pair to get you through the rest of the month. Ripped lenses can get stuck in your eyes, and affect your vision.