Are contact lenses safe to use?
Contact lenses are perfectly safe to use providing common sense and simple precautions are used. Handling and cleaning of your lenses is of the utmost importance and most problems are in fact caused due to improper cleaning of the lens. Only sterile saline solutions or hydrogen peroxide should come into contact with your lenses. Failure to take proper care of hygiene can result in eye infection.
Are contact lenses hard to take care of?
Some lenses such as oxygen permeable ones which will last for years need daily cleaning and disinfecting to ensure proper hygiene and reduce the risk of infection. Daily disposable lenses of course need no cleaning or maintenance as you simply through them away and use a fresh pair everyday. Weekly soft disposables are cleaned rinsed and then disinfected and worn again.
Insertion of your lens
It is very important to wash and dry your hands thoroughly before attempting to insert your lenses, try to get into the habit of always inserting the lens into your right eye first this will ensure you don’t get the lenses mixed up. Place the lens on the tip of your index finger and make sure it is clean and the right way up, then while holding your eyelid open with your other hand look directly into a mirror and gently place the lens into your eye. Release your eyelid and gently blink you can massage your eyelid to centre the lens in place.
Removal of your lens
Look up to the ceiling and hold your lower lid down with one hand pull the lens down slightly and gently pinch the edges of the lens with your thumb and forefinger to remove it from your eye.
Cleaning your lens
Make sure you get into the habit of always cleaning your lens in a solution suggested by your eye doctor whenever you remove your lens and before inserting them. When not wearing them always store them in a case filled with fresh solution and if not wearing them for any length of time make sure you change the solution there stored in regularly.
Points to remember
- Always ensure good hygiene practise by keeping your lens clean and washing your hands before inserting and removing lenses.
- Get into the habit of inserting and removing the right lens first
- Don not let hairspray, perfumes, deodorant or any other aerosols come into contact with your lenses
- Never lend your lenses to anyone
- Do not swim or take part in any water sports while wearing your lenses
- Remember to remove your lenses whenever you go to bed.
- Insert your lenses before applying makeup
- If your eyes feel sore and itchy remove your lens straight away
- Make sure your lenses are either in your eyes or in a box with lens solution
If you work in an environment that is hazardous then don’t wear contact lenses because gases can get into the lens and cause permanent damage to your eyes