Are you a contact lens wearer? If so, you probably enjoy the convenience and comfort of contact lenses for your vision problems. They can also enhance your appearance and give you more freedom than glasses. But did you know that they also require proper care to prevent eye infections and other problems?
 

Why Is Contact Lens Care and Hygiene Important?

Contact lenses touch your eyes directly. Dirt, bacteria, and other microorganisms can stick to them and irritate, inflame, or infect your eyes. Some of the common eye problems associated with contact lens wear are:
 

·      Dry Eyes

This happens when your eyes make too few tears or the tears dry up too fast. Dry eyes can make your contact lenses uncomfortable, scratchy, or blurry.
 

·      Allergic Reactions

This is when your eyes become sensitive to something in your contact lenses or the solutions you use. If you have an allergic reaction, your eyes can itch, redden, swell, or ooze.
 

·      Corneal Ulcers

This is when there is a break or sore in the outer layer of your cornea. Corneal ulcers can stem from bacteria, fungi, or parasites that enter your eye through a scratch or injury. You can experience severe pain or light sensitivity. You might also have blurred vision or even vision loss from them.
 

How to Take Care of Your Lenses

Taking good care of your contact lenses and following your eye doctor’s instructions can help you avoid these problems. Here are some of the best practices for contact lens care and hygiene to follow daily:
 

• Clean your hands before touching your lenses. Wash them with soap and water and dry them with a lint-free towel. Do not touch your eyes or contact lenses with dirty hands.
• Clean your contact lenses whenever you take them out. Use the recommended cleaning solution and rub them gently with your fingers. Do not use water, saliva, or homemade solutions to clean them. They can contain harmful germs or chemicals that can damage your lenses or eyes.
• Rinse your contact lenses with a fresh solution after cleaning them. Do not reuse the old solution or replace it with a new one. The old solution can lose its effectiveness and harbor bacteria.
• Keep your contact lenses in a fresh solution in a clean case. Replace the case every three months or sooner if it becomes dirty or damaged. Do not leave your contact lenses in a hot or dry place. They can lose their shape and dry out.
• Replace your contact lenses as often as prescribed by your eye doctor. Do not wear them longer than recommended or sleep in them unless approved for overnight wear. Wearing expired or overused contact lenses can increase the risk of eye infections.
• Take out your lenses before you swim, shower, or use a hot tub. Germs in water can stick to your contact lenses and infect your eyes. If you must wear your lenses in water, wear goggles or disposable lenses and discard them afterward.
• Follow the advice of your eye doctor regarding the type, brand, and schedule of your contact lenses. Only switch to a different product after consulting your eye doctor first. Different contact lenses may have different specifications and requirements that may not suit your eyes.

Conclusion

Contact lens care and hygiene are essential for keeping your eyes healthy and comfortable. For more on contact lens care, visit Today’s Vision at our Laguna Niguel, California, office. Call (949) 518-0055 to schedule an appointment today.