Your essential guide to contact lens care

Follow the instructions

From daily disposables, to reusable lenses, to extended wear designs, there are a variety of these vision aids on offer, and the ones you wear will determine how you need to care for them. When you have your lenses fitted by an eye care professional, you will have been given clear and precise instructions as to how you should look after them. For example, while daily disposable lenses can be thrown away after each use, reusable lenses require cleaning and storing in a certain way.

So that you can enjoy your lenses and keep your eye health in check, it’s important that you always follow the guidelines given to you. If you’re unsure how you’re meant to care for your lenses, you should speak to an optician. Alternatively, you could seek advice and information from an online eye care expert such as Feel Good Contact Lenses.

Wash your hands

Making sure you have clean, dry hands is crucial when you’re caring for your lenses. Whether you’re inserting, removing or rinsing them, you will need to ensure that you thoroughly wash your hands and fingers using warm, soapy water beforehand. Doing this will significantly reduce your chances of developing an eye infection and prevent bacteria from getting into your eye or onto your lenses.

Recognise when you shouldn’t wear them

Although contact lenses are often a convenient way to enjoy clear vision without needing to wear glasses, it’s important to recognise that there are certain situations where your lenses may not be suitable. For example, since most sources of water contain harmful microorganisms known as acanthamoeba, it’s recommended that you do not swim or shower in your contacts. If this microbe gets under your lenses, it can cause soreness, irritation and could even lead to vision loss. So, to ensure your eyes remain safe and healthy, you may want to remove your lenses before you step into the shower or take a dip in the pool.

Moreover, if your eyes become painful, red or swollen, or if your vision becomes blurry, you should remove your contacts immediately. If the problem persists, you should wear your glasses instead and seek medical assistance.

By taking extra care of your lenses, you’ll be able to enjoy clear, glasses-free vision without putting your eye health at risk.

Image Credit: Shutterstock.com