Versatile, convenient and easy-to wear, yet there are so many questions around whether they’re the right choice for you or not. Let’s answer some of them.
#1
How old do I have to be to wear contact lenses?
Popular among teenagers, but even pre-teens! Typically, people start wearing them around the age of 12-15 years but some start even earlier, so long as they are mature enough to wear and care for them properly. It’s more about taking care while wearing and removing them that’s important, than your age.
#2
Are contact lenses comfortable to wear?
The high-tech silicone-hydrogel design allows a rich supply of oxygen through the lens, keeping your eyes comfortable and moist. The new design also adds softness and flexibility to the lens, providing breathability. You won’t even realize you’re wearing them after a few days.
#3
Are contact lenses affordable?
The price can vary depending on the type of lens you need—daily, weekly or monthly—but brands such as Aqualens (pack of 5 daily disposables) start at a super affordable price of just Rs. 99. Go on, give them a try!
#4
Will my contact lenses fall out of my eyes?
In the rarest case possible, your lens may get displaced from the cornea but a gentle finger massage on closed eyes will bring it back to the right position in no time. The best way to do is by blinking a few times or by shutting your eyelids and rolling your eyes for a few seconds.
#5
Can contact lenses get lost behind the eyes?
Absolutely not! There is no space behind your eyes for contacts to slip into! It’s physically impossible for lenses to get lost behind your eye. Your eyes are covered by a membrane that connects to the inside of your eyelids, so the lens has no place to go behind the eyeball. At worst they can fall out.
#6
Can contact lenses get stuck to the eye surface?
We don’t want to alarm you but in very rare cases, it can get hard to extricate lenses from the eye. This happens when the contact lenses become very dry and feel like they’re stuck on the eye surface. They can be easily removed by using moisturizing eye drops, closing your eyes for a bit and then trying again.
#7
How often do I need to change my contact lenses?
It all depends on your lifestyle. Pick lenses that match your needs best. Go for either daily disposable (no need to store them properly overnight), weekly or monthly disposables. Remember, weekly and monthly variants are cheaper but need to be cleaned regularly. Some lenses can be re-used for two weeks to one month but require cleaning and disinfection every day. To keep infections at bay, its best to choose lenses that need to changed more frequently.
#8
Can I play sports while wearing my contact lenses?
Absolutely! The best part is that contact lenses offer clear vision without you worrying them fogging up, falling off or breaking during a game. Also, you won’t experience a loss of peripheral vision like you can with glasses.
#9
Can I continue to wear my glasses if I wear contact lenses?
Of course you can. Most people wear both contact lenses and glasses, depending on their needs, preferences and specific activities. In fact, it is recommended that you wear glasses if you are taking a long flight. The choice is up to you and your eye care practitioner.
#10
For how many hours a day can I wear contact lenses?
Most lenses can be worn comfortably for eight to ten hours daily. Try and remove them at the recommended time to avoid eye discomfort and redness. However, if your eyes feel dry, wear them for shorter periods. You could also lubricate your eyes with moisturizing eye drops.
#11
Can I clean or store my contact lenses in tap water?
Exposing or soaking your lens in any non-sterile solution such as water is a no-no.
Always use a branded lens care solution such as Aqualens Comfort Contact Lens Solution that cleanses, disinfects and moisturizes your lenses. These solutions create a lubricating shield that also removes the daily protein build-up on lenses and maintains their pH balance.
#12
What’s the right way to clean my contact lenses?
- First, wash your hands thoroughly and pat dry with a lint-free cloth.
- Remove one lens from the case, place it in the palm of your hand and liberally pour the cleaning solution on it.
- Gently rub the lens to cleanse and then place in your clean lens case filled with fresh solution.
- Topping-off your lens case with the previous day’s solution is strictly a no-no! Repeat for your other lens.
#13
What’s the right way to wear contact lenses?
- Place on the tip of your forefinger with the cup side (concave) facing up.
- Pull down your lower eyelid with your other hand.
- Stand in front of a mirror for proper placement.
- With your eye wide open, look straight ahead and gently place the lens onto the cornea. To do this easily, let the bottom curve of the lens touch your eye first.
- Then gently press the upper curve of the lens against the cornea and let the lens settle on the cornea. Blink a few times to adjust completely.
#14
How frequently should I change the solution in the contact lens case?
Your lens case could be a breeding ground for infectious keratitis that causes microbial eye infections. Change your lens case solution daily. Follow the easy to remember step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Remove the old solution after you put on your lenses.
Step 2: Rinse your cases with the same liquid a few times
Step 3: Air-dry before pouring in fresh solution
#15
Can I wash my face with water with my contact lenses on?
Make sure that you close your eyes and avoid exposing your eyes to the tap water. Microorganisms such as Acanthamoeba found in tap water could cause eye infections. Ideally, remove your contacts first and then wash your face.
Important Do’s and Don’ts of contact lens care
- Cleanse lenses with branded lens solutions only.
- Don’t use tap water or homemade solutions to clean them.
- Don’t touch the tip of your solution bottle.
- Don’t share or borrow a friend’s contact lenses.
- Follow the manufacturer instructions to properly rinse and store your contact lenses.
- Do replace your lens case every three months.
- Only buy branded lenses as prescribed by your eye doctor.
