Tips On Wearing And Caring For Contact Lenses
Contact lenses offer a very safe form of vision correction, but proper use of the medical devices is crucial. Failure to properly care for and use your lenses can lead to eye infections that could cause irritation and damage your eyesight. In this article, you will learn simple but important tips on optimal care and hygiene for your contact lenses and how to safely wear the devices for a successful, comfortable contact lens experience.
Care and hygiene tips
Cleaning your contact lenses helps remove dirt and pathogens that can harm your eyes. Prior to handling your lenses, be sure to wash your hands with soap that doesn't contain of oils, lotions or perfumes and dry them using a clean, lint-free towel.
Next, rinse and disinfect your contact lenses with fresh solution before storing them in their designated storage case. Do not use tap water, saliva or any other liquid to clean or lubricate your contact lenses. You should also clean the lens case regularly with fresh solution and leave it open to air dry when not in use.
Another important care tip for contact lenses is to stick to the replacement schedule prescribed by your eye doctor. Stretching your lens wear beyond the recommended time frame can lead to vision changes and eye discomfort. If you notice any eye irritation or redness while using your contact lenses, remove them immediately and consult your eye care professional. Finally, remember to schedule regular eye examinations with an optometrist like Jeffrey C. Fogt, OD in order to get timely subscription changes.
Safely inserting and removing contact lenses
Before handling your contact lenses, always begin by thoroughly washing and drying your hands following the instructions given above. When inserting a lens, hold it on the tip of the index/pointer finger of your dominant hand, before using your middle finger to gently pull down your lower eyelid.
Next, use your pointer finger on your other hand to lift your top eyelid so as to comfortably place the lens on the lower white part of the eye. You should then remove your pointer finger and briefly close your eye, allowing the lens to center on your eye.
To safely remove a lens, look up and use your middle finger to pull down your lower eyelid. Next, put your pointer finger on the lower part of the lens and slide the device down into the white part of your eye. You should then carefully squeeze the lens between your thumb and index finger so as to grab and remove it.