Taking care of your eyes when wearing contact lenses every day is crucial to maintain good eye health and ensure the longevity of your lenses. Here are some tips for eye lens wearers:
- Wash Your Hands: Always wash your hands with soap and water before handling your contact lenses. Dry them with a lint-free towel to avoid transferring any debris or bacteria onto your lenses.
- Use the Right Lenses Solution: Use the recommended contact lens solution provided by your eye care professional. Never use tap water or saliva to clean or moisten your lenses, as it can lead to eye infections.
- Clean Your Lenses Regularly: Clean your contact lenses daily using the prescribed cleaning and disinfecting regimen. Follow the instructions on the solution bottle or your eye doctor's recommendations.
- Replace Your Lenses as Advised: Follow your eye doctor's recommendations for how often to replace your contact lenses. Some are daily disposable, while others can be worn for weeks or months. Overwearing disposable lenses can lead to eye irritation and infections.
- Handle Lenses Carefully: When putting in or removing your contact lenses, be gentle and avoid tearing or damaging them. Avoid using sharp fingernails.
- Keep Your Lenses Hydrated: If you experience dry eyes, use rewetting drops or artificial tears specifically designed for contact lens wearers. Avoid using redness-relief drops as they may contain ingredients that can be harmful to your lenses.
- Avoid Sleeping in Contacts: Unless your eye doctor has prescribed extended-wear lenses, avoid sleeping in your colored contact lenses. Sleeping in lenses not designed for overnight wear can lead to eye problems.
- Protect Your Eyes: Wear sunglasses that provide UV protection when you're outdoors. UV rays can be harmful to your eyes, and contact lenses do not offer full UV protection.
- Minimize Environmental Exposure: Try to avoid wearing your contact lenses in extremely dusty, smoky, or windy environments. These conditions can lead to eye irritation and discomfort.
- Regular Eye Exams: Schedule regular eye exams with your eye care professional to ensure your prescription is up to date and to monitor the health of your eyes.
- Follow Doctor's Advice: If you experience any discomfort, redness, irritation, or changes in vision, contact your eye care provider immediately. Don't ignore any signs of eye problems.
- Take Breaks: If you work on a computer or engage in activities that require intense focus, give your eyes regular breaks. Blink frequently to keep your eyes moist.
Remember that every person's eyes are unique, so it's essential to follow the specific recommendations provided by your eye care professional. If you have any concerns or questions about your contact lenses, consult with your eye doctor for personalized guidance and care.