Contact lenses have come a long way since they came into being and are now the most used vision correction medical devices. They provide comfort, confidence and freedom to millions of people around the globe. But always keep in mind to consult a professional eye care person before going for lenses whether they are for vision correction or for beautifying proposes. As mentioned earlier, these are medical devices and should be treated like one. They are not risk-free and must be handled with utmost responsibility and hygiene.
Lenses come in
direct contact with your eyes that’s why the risk of infections is ten folds as
compared to glasses. We are surrounded by germs, they live on our fingers, rest
on our eyelids and are inevitable to evade. Germs like fungi and bacteria can
cause potential eye diseases if transported to eyes through contacts. Contacts
come in a wide variety of materials, tints and shapes, but contact lens safety
is applicable to all. Circle lenses are a new trend in South
Asian countries and makes your eyes look bigger and beautiful, but the safety
measures must be taken for them as well.
The habits you
develop, instruction given by your eye care professional and updated supplies
are all vital to make sure you have optimal and healthy eyes. Here we have
lined up some top eye care precautionary measures to help you understand the
importance of hygiene while handling contacts.
1. Get prescribed contacts always
This is the first
step and is very crucial; don’t just pick any pair of lenses on the counter
from a drug store or local market. Even if you are buying colored or circle
lenses for a change in the look and has nothing to do with vision correction.
Prescribed lenses are best as they are advised to you according to your eyes
and are best suited for the eyes.
2. Wash the hands before inserting or removing
Contamination can
happen if your hands are dirty and one must avoid doing that at all times. Wash
your hands with a mild soap and then pat them dry before inserting or removing
the contacts.
3. Never sleep in your contacts
This is a very
important thing and contact lens wearers must abide by it. The threat of
infection increases up to 8 times when sleeping with contacts on. Sleeping on
contacts reduces oxygen flow and any bacteria on contacts get a welcome chance
to mingle with the cornea.
4. Water and lenses are bitter enemies
You don’t want
your contacts to interact with any sort of water. Swimming, hot showers, or tap
water splashes must be avoided as water carries Acanthamoeba that can cause
serious eye infections.
5. Lens cases matter
Lens cases are
very important as you store the lenses in them. Rinse them thoroughly with the
lens solution to disinfect them completely and dry them with tissue. When all
the lingering bacteria is wiped off, place the lens inside the case. Replace
them after every 3 months to keep a good sterile environment for the lenses.
By keeping a
healthy, hygienic regime you can enjoy lenses for a long time without any
problem.
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