Glasses are in vogue, but you would agree that they don’t go with everything and hence you begin to use contact lenses. If not handled properly, contact lenses can lead to serious eye infections, severe dryness and a host of other problems. The importance of safely using contact lenses cannot be emphasized enough. Here are a few tips on how to handle contact lenses safely.

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Follow the lens schedule
Extending contact lens usage beyond the prescribed lifespan is common. Deposits start building up after each use. Taking longer to replace your lenses increase the chances of infections and reduce oxygen supply to the cornea. Some lenses are to be replaced monthly while others are daily-wear contact lenses. Whichever lens you go for, never overextend their usage. Even as you follow the schedule for contact lenses, seek a doctor’s advice on choosing the right pair. For example, contact lenses for dry eyes are usually the ones which are disposed of daily. Monthly contact lenses suit most users while some might opt for rigid ones.

Never handle your contact lenses with dirty hands
No matter how tired you are or how late you are running, never touch or handle your lenses with dirty hands. This ensures that you are not transferring any harmful bacteria to your eyes. Do not let water touch your contact lenses in the shower. Water has Acanthamoeba organisms that can stick to your contact lenses and can transfer on to your cornea. You must avoid wearing your contact lenses while swimming.

Always apply makeup after putting in your lenses
If you apply makeup and then wear your lenses, it can lead to hazy vision as the makeup product remains on the lenses. In severe cases, an allergic reaction can occur.

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Change the contact lens storage cases regularly
In addition to changing the storage cases regularly, never top-up the solution; always discard and refill. The storage case should always be cleaned with the lens solution and not water.

Never wear contact lenses overnight
Sleeping with your contact lenses leads to dryness, thereby blocking the flow of oxygen to your eyes. When you close our eyes while wearing lenses for a long period of time, the cornea is close to your lens, which in turn increases the transfer of germs.

Clean contact lenses after every use
Bacteria and protein build up in your contact lenses after every use. Take care and rinse them with a lens solution after every use and before putting them back in. Never use saliva or saline water to clean your lenses. Depending on usage, some lenses need to be cleaned more often.

Remove contact lenses on discomfort
If your eyes begin to itch, remove your lenses immediately. If the symptoms prolong, visit a doctor and resume its usage only after your doctor’s consultation.
Contact lenses help to improve your vision. So make sure you take good care of them.

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