Contact lenses are awesome. They’re convenient, they save you money and they can make you look more attractive, but if not taken care of properly, they can cause all sorts of nasty side effects. To help you get the most out of your contacts, here are ten tips on how to take care of contact lenses to give you clear, healthy eyes and save your eyesight in the long term.
Take care when using eyedrops
It is essential that you follow your optometrist’s instructions when using any eye drops. The object is not to use as many drops as possible in an effort to remove more mucus, but rather only those drops that are necessary.
Each drop will remove a certain amount of debris, and too many can leave your eyes without enough mucus or tears left behind. The worst-case scenario from overdosing on eyedrops would be a blurry vision that does not go away after several hours, requiring a visit back to your optometrist for another prescription adjustment. If you have any questions about eye drop use and/or additional concerns regarding symptoms such as dryness, irritation or blurriness, be sure and visit your optometrist!
Clean and store your contacts properly
Never sleep in your contacts, as they can be pushed deep into your eyes while you are sleeping. The longer a lens is in your eye, and more they rub against your eyes while you sleep, the greater chance there is for damage. Learn more about replacement lenses online for better understanding.
If you’re going to sleep with them in anyway make sure that you clean them thoroughly before bedtime. You should also consider getting sleeptracks or other similar products that help keep contacts from slipping out of place as you slumber. Just be sure to clean them again when it's time to get up!
Don't use hand-me-down equipment
A quick trip to your eye doctor should allow you to walk away with a pair of contacts that will fit your eyes perfectly. A lot can happen between the time someone buys their first set and upgrades, so don't risk it. Green sunglass lenses can do what gray and brown lenses can do, but better!
It's much better for both your eyesight and wallet if you have equipment specifically made for your needs. Have a case ready when you're not wearing them: If you wear contacts, chances are good that one day a week—if not more often—you'll go without them due to allergies or other concerns.
Don't wear them too much
Overusing your contacts is one of many common mistakes people make when it comes to wearing them. Wearing them too much increases your risk for eye infection, which could result in vision loss or other serious health problems.
The longer you wear your contacts, the more frequently you should be cleaning and disinfecting them (especially if you wear extended-wear contacts). Talk to your eye doctor about what’s best for you and follow his or her instructions carefully.
When properly taken care of, most types of contact lenses can last several years before they need replacement. Your eye doctor will advise you based on how long he or she thinks they should last in your case based on their experience with you personally as well as studies he or she has seen in general.
Ask your optometrist about rinses
If your eye doctor has given you a brand recommendation, ask if they can also recommend a good rinse for you. There are hundreds out there and new ones are coming out all the time, but different brands work best for different people. Your optometrist can help you figure out which one is best for your eyes. Or, if he/she doesn’t know—or recommends a brand that you think will dry your eyes—then find another optometrist who does know or who can give you better advice. You don't want dry, irritated eyes or blurry vision—it's no fun!
Switch brands once in a while
Most people stick with whatever brand they started using when they first got contacts. While it’s not necessary to change brands, you might notice a difference in terms of comfort and ease, especially if your eyes aren’t used to wearing contacts. Switching brands every few months can help you find what works best for your eyesight and lifestyle; make sure any pair you try is FDA approved.
Use lens cases correctly
Lens cases are intended to protect your contacts from dirt and dust, but if you don’t put them away correctly, that’s all they’ll do. The case is designed for a reason:
There’s a small hole in each corner that allows air flow, so when you put your lenses back in after wearing them (and rinse them off), let all of the water drain out before you put your case away.
If you leave moisture inside and store it in a place where there isn't airflow, bacteria can grow and cause serious damage to your eyes. That's not something you want with contacts—or anything else in or around your eyeballs!
Let others know if you wear contacts
You should always tell your optometrist or ophthalmologist if you wear contacts and you are prone to getting eye infections, as they can cause serious damage. Keep your hands clean: It’s also important that you keep your hands clean. Wash them before putting in and taking out your contacts.
Keep your eyes well hydrated
You may not realize it, but wearing contact lenses can actually cause your eyes to dry out. To keep your eyes hydrated while wearing contacts, be sure to frequently use a designated solution or artificial tears and be careful not to touch or rub your eyes—particularly before putting in or taking out your lenses.
If you're having trouble with dry eyes, ask your optometrist about over-the-counter drops for more lasting relief. Wearing fresh, clean contacts also helps combat irritation; if you have hard water at home, consider using distilled water as well.
Get used to wearing contacts slowly
If you aren’t used to wearing contacts, then it is important that you get your eyes used to them slowly. After all, as anyone who wears contacts will tell you, getting them in or out can be an uncomfortable experience. This is especially true if you are just getting accustomed to them.
Some people suggest taking a small time frame and seeing how many hours at a time they can wear their contacts before taking them out and cleaning them with soap and water.
Start off with only a few hours a day before trying to go for longer periods of time until you are able to comfortably wear your contacts for up to 20 hours at a time without any discomfort or irritation.
No comments yet