One thing I consider very important in having a safe, healthy and comfortable contact lens wear is Hygiene. This is a vital factor that every contact lens wearer should be mindful of. However to ensure proper contact lens hygiene, there are basic and simple guidelines that a contact lens wearer must follow.
1) Before taking out your contact lens (CL) from its case, wash your hands properly with soap and water and dry-clean them with a clean hand towel. (use this towel only for CL)
2) To avoid mixing them up, make it a rule to always apply the right-eye CL on the right eye first and then the Left-eye CL on the left eye. If you choose the opposite, its not a problem. Make sure that you are consistent with it.
3) When you apply CL on the cornea (eye), blink several times. This helps center the lens and remove trapped air bubbles. Take a minute or two to observe how you feel. If you feel comfortable, you are ready to “go”. Now empty the lens case and cover it . Do not leave it exposed to avoid contamination. However, if you feel uncomfortable after applying the lens, remove it immediately and inspect it to make sure that (i) there is no particle on it. If there is, rinse it out with CL solution (ii) the lens is not turned inside-out. If it is, carefully invert it (iii) there is no tear. If there is, please discard it.
4) If you experience dryness of the eyes when wearing your CL, apply re-wetting solution. Avoid stepping into dusty, smoky, gaseous or hazardous environment as much as possible. These environments could cause eye irritation and in some cases serious eye infection.
5) At the end of the day (before going to bed) remove the lens from your eyes. Remember to wash and dry your hands before you remove the CL from your eyes. To avoid mixing them up, remove Right CL first and rest it gently in the ‘right-side’ of the CL case. Do the same for the left eye. Now fill the case with the CL solution- enough to completely cover the lenses.
In addition to these basic guidelines, it is crucial to know and adhere to the do’s and dont’s of contact lens wear.
Do’s And Dont’s Of Contact Lens Wear
- A first-time contact lens ( CL ) wearer should not wear it for more than 2-3hrs the first day. A gradual wearing ‘build-up’ time as advised by the optometrist should be followed
- Regardless of the type of CL you have, I DO NOT advise that you go to bed wearing CL. Why? The cornea (your eyes ) are better oxygenated and more rejuvenated the next morning without CL on it and also makes it less prone to CL-induced-infection.
- Always carry your CL solution and case with you. You may need it during the day.
- Never wash your CL with water. This can cause serious eye infection by an organism called ‘acantamoeba’.
- Never leave your CL in its case without CL solution in it. This could deform the lens and render it useless.
- Do not use your CL beyond the recommended disposable time. The same applies to the CL case. Change case at least every three months.
- Extra care must be taken by women when applying make-up, eye liner etc
- Whatever be the case if you experience redness, pain, irritation, swelling, itching etc please remove the CL immediately and see your optometrist/ophthalmologist
Please always follow the advise and recommendations of your eye care professional.
Written By:
Austin Madu, OD
Optometrist
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