Did you know, you are prone to a serious eye infection if you do not clean, disinfect and store your contact lenses properly. It is advisable that you follow proper instructions given by your optician or eye doctor to avoid any mishap in the long run. First things first, before we get into how to care for your lenses, let’s discuss a few basic things you should know before making the switch from glasses to contact lenses.
Regular Eye Check-ups
If you are healthy and you have no symptoms of vision issues, have your eyes checked by a good eye doctor every five to 10 years in your 20s and 30s, every two to four years from 40 to 54, every one to three years from 55 to 64. If you’re someone who wears glasses or lenses, have someone in the family who have a history of eye disease or loss of vision, have diabetes, you must get your eyes checked more often and regularly.
Know The Difference Between An Ophthalmologist, An Optometrist And An Optician
Many confuse between the first two, while a majority consider visiting the latter for an easy way out! An ophthalmologist is a medical or osteopathic doctor who specializes in eye and vision care and is trained to care for all eye problems and conditions. An optometrist on the other hand, is a healthcare professional who provides primary vision care ranging from sight testing and correction to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of vision changes. An optometrist is never to be confused with a medically certified doctor. Lastly, Opticians are technicians trained to design, verify and fit eyeglass lenses and frames, contact lenses, and other devices to correct eyesight.
Types of Contact Lenses
Believe it or not, but contact lenses have now become an essential product of personal care. They offer freedom from glasses, and a liberty to jump, skip and run at any pace one wants. If and only when cared for properly, lenses can help with clear vision for a long time. Now, there are five types of contact lenses you must know about; a. Soft contact lenses, b. Disposable contact lenses, c. Extended wear soft contact lenses, d. Colored lenses, and e. Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Contact Lenses. Of these, disposable contact lenses are the most commonly used contact lenses in India. You must remove them every night, clean and place them in their lens case, pour a few drops of the prescribed lens solution and throw it away after its given validity for example monthly (30 days) or quarterly (3 months).
Caring for Contact Lenses
Finally, knowing how to take care of lenses is a crucial part of owning it. Follow the steps below to keep your lenses clean and disinfected…
- It is essential to clean and dry your hands before you take the contact lenses out of its case. Keep in mind to use a hand wash or soap that is free of oils, fragrance, and lotions. Dry your hands with a lint-free towel so the tiny particles of the fabric are not stuck on your fingertips.
- Ensure your contact lenses are clean, not dry (use the lens solution copiously) before inserting them into your eyes.
Whether you are new to wearing lenses or a veteran one at that, there are some basic do’s and don’ts that are prescribed when caring for lenses. Here are a few…
DO’S
Stick to the schedule prescribed by your eye care professional and replace your lenses with new ones regularly.
Always remember to use a fresh solution when cleaning and disinfecting your lenses.
If your lenses are causing redness, eyes to itch or blurring your vision, remove them immediately and consult your eye doctor.
Empty the lens solution from the lens case before refilling it with a new batch.
Lenses go into your eyes before any application of makeup and before you decide to wash it off.
DON’TS
Do not wear your lens beyond its intended use, this may result in furthering the damage of your vision.
Do not sleep wearing your lens, unless you are wearing extended wear lenses.
Do not sleep wearing your lens, unless you are wearing extended wear lenses.
Do not rub your eyes when you have the lens on.
Do not keep switching the brand of your lens solution unless prescribed by your eye doctor.
