Contact lenses have become an essential part of modern life for millions of people seeking clear vision without the use of glasses. While contact lenses offer absolute convenience and comfort, they also require responsible care to ensure the health of your eyes. Your vision is a precious gift, and with the right knowledge and habits, you can ensure that your contact lens experience is convenient and safe.
In this comprehensive guide, you will learn about the best practices, useful tips, and information you need to maintain your eye health while enjoying the benefits of contact lenses. Whether you are a long-time contact lens wearer or considering them for the first time, this guide will provide you with invaluable insights to keep your eyes happy and healthy. Check out the complete guide to healthy contact lens habits you can follow starting today.
1. Maintain Hand Hygiene
Proper hand hygiene is an important step in maintaining healthy contact lens habits. Before handling your contact lenses, always remember to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Doing so will help remove dirt, oils, and potential contaminants from your hands, reducing the risk of transferring them to your lenses and, ultimately, your eyes.
Here are 6 steps for washing your hands correctly:
- Begin by turning on the water and ensuring your hands are wet for a more effective lather during cleansing.
- Apply liquid, bar, or powdered soap to your already-dampened hands.
- Create a rich lather with the soap, ensuring thorough coverage on your wrists, between your fingers, and across your nails and fingertips.
- Vigorously rub your hands together for a minimum of 20 seconds.
- Rinse your hands thoroughly.
- Conclude by drying your hands completely using a clean, dry cloth hand towel.
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2. Use Fresh Solution
It is crucial to use a fresh contact lens solution to maintain the health and comfort of your eyes. Ensure that the solution you are using has not passed its expiration date, as an expired solution may not effectively disinfect your lenses. Use this solution as directed to clean and store your contact lenses, following the instructions provided by your eye care professional or the manufacturer to prevent contamination and maintain lens hygiene.
How often should you change contact lens solutions? Read here to find out:
Based on All About Vision, to keep your contact lenses clean, make sure to switch the solution in your lens case at least once every 30 days. However, how often you do this can depend on your lens replacement schedule, so it is a good idea to check with your eye doctor. In the meantime, to be safe, think about changing the solution every week or two.
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3. Clean and Rinse Properly
After taking out your contact lenses, you need to thoroughly clean and rinse them using the solution recommended by your eye care professional. This process helps eliminate any particles, debris, and protein deposits that may have accumulated on the lenses during wear. Ensuring your lenses are clean and free from contaminants is vital for keeping clear vision and eye health.
Unsure of how to clean your contact lenses? Check out the steps here:
- Prepare Your Hands
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, then dry them with a clean towel. - Lens Removal
Gently take out one lens from your eye using your fingertips. - Cleaning
Place the lens in your palm and apply a few drops of the recommended lens solution. Rub it gently for 20 seconds. - Rinsing
Rinse the lens with more solution to remove debris and clean the solution. - Storage
If not reinserting the lens immediately, store them in a clean case with a fresh disinfecting solution. Repeat for the other lens.
4. Handle the Lenses Carefully
Remember always to handle your contact lenses with utmost care, both when inserting them into your eyes and when removing them. When putting in lenses, avoid rushing and take your time to ensure a proper fit. When removing them, use gentle and deliberate movements to prevent any damage or tearing, which can compromise the comfort and effectiveness of your lenses, as well as potentially harm your eyes.
Handling contact lenses carefully is essential for several reasons:
- Eye Safety
Rough handling can lead to scratches or tears in the lenses, irritating or damaging your eyes. - Comfort
Mishandled lenses may not sit properly on your eyes, causing discomfort and decreasing vision clarity. - Hygiene
Careful handling helps prevent contamination, reducing the risk of eye infections. - Lens Longevity
Proper care extends the life of your lenses, saving you money on replacements.
5. Avoid Water Exposure
Avoiding water exposure when wearing contact lenses can help to protect your eye health. Swimming or showering while wearing contacts can increase the risk of waterborne pathogens coming into contact with your lenses and eyes, potentially leading to infections. To minimise the risk of eye complications, it is essential to remove your contact lenses before any activity involving water exposure.
Here are some other activities to be cautious about while wearing your lens:
- Rubbing Your Eyes
Excessive eye rubbing can dislodge or damage your lenses and irritate your eyes. It’s essential to refrain from rubbing your eyes while wearing contacts. - Sleeping
Unless your contact lenses are specifically designed for extended wear, sleeping with them is usually not recommended, as it can lead to dryness, discomfort, and an increased risk of eye infections. - Cosmetic Eye Makeup Near Lenses
Be cautious when applying eye makeup, particularly mascara and eyeliner, as particles or makeup residue can get onto your lenses. Insert your lenses before applying makeup and remove them before makeup removal.
6. Never Overwear Lenses
Avoiding overwear contact lenses is important because it can lead to reduced oxygen flow to the eyes, potentially causing discomfort and increasing the risk of eye problems. Prolonged lens wear can also contribute to dry eyes, infections, and the accumulation of deposits on the lenses, affecting vision quality and increasing costs.
To prevent overwearing contact lenses, follow these steps:
- Use a Timer or Alarm
Set a timer or alarm on your phone or another device to remind you when it is time to remove your contact lenses. This can help you stick to the recommended wear schedule. - Carry Backup Glasses
Keep a pair of prescription eyeglasses with you, especially when you plan to be out for an extended period. If your eyes become uncomfortable, you can switch to glasses. - Carry Contact Lens Supplies
When travelling, carry contact lens supplies, including a travel-sized bottle of contact lens solution and a lens case. This way, you can remove and store your lenses if needed. - Stay Hydrated
Drink enough water to help prevent dry eyes, which can be exacerbated by contact lens wear. Proper hydration can contribute to lens comfort.
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7. Replace the Case
To maintain good hygiene and eye health, it is essential to regularly replace your contact lens storage case. Ideally, consider changing your case every three months to minimise the risk of bacterial contamination. A fresh storage case helps ensure that your contact lenses remain clean and safe for use.
Despite being frequently overlooked, here is how to properly care for your contact lens case:
- Daily Cleaning
Rinse your contact lens case with a fresh contact lens solution after each use. Use a clean, lint-free tissue or towel to dry it gently. - Air Drying
Leave the case open and upside down to air dry during the day. This helps prevent the growth of microorganisms. - Weekly Disinfection
At least once a week, disinfect your contact lens case. Fill both sides with fresh solution and let it sit for a few hours or overnight. Rinse thoroughly before using. - Avoid Tap Water
Do not use tap water to rinse or store your contact lens case, as it can introduce harmful microorganisms. - Keep It Dry
Store your contact lens case in a clean, dry place when not in use. Avoid storing it in the bathroom, where it can be exposed to moisture. - Replace Every Three Months
Replace your contact lens case every three months or as your eye care professional recommends to prevent bacterial buildup and contamination.
8. Use Eye Drops
Opt for eye drops labelled “For use with contact lenses” when purchasing the product. With Malaysia’s humid weather, rewetting eye drops can elevate the comfort of contact lenses during wear. However, exercise caution with dry eye drops, as some thicker formulations may cause your lenses to become less comfortable by causing them to stick or become gummy.
Eye drops can be used when using contact lenses in a variety of situations, such as:
- Dryness and Discomfort
If you experience dryness, discomfort, or irritation while wearing contact lenses, you can use eye drops as needed to relieve these symptoms. - Lens Discomfort
If you feel like your contact lenses feel dry, gritty, or slightly uncomfortable, applying a few drops of rewetting solution can often improve comfort. - Extended Wear
For contact lens wearers who have been wearing their lenses for an extended period, like during long workdays or travel, using lubricating drops can refresh the eyes and lenses.
9. Follow Replacement Schedules
Stick to the prescribed replacement schedule for your contact lenses, whether they are designed for daily, weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly use. Following this schedule ensures that you replace your lenses at the appropriate intervals, reducing the risk of lens deterioration, discomfort, and potential eye-related issues.
Read here to prevent missing your scheduled contact lens replacements:
- Set Reminders
Use your phone’s calendar or reminder app to schedule alerts for when it is time to replace your contact lenses. Set these reminders in advance according to your prescribed replacement schedule. - Routine Check-Ins
Make it a habit to check your remaining supply of contact lenses regularly. When you notice you have a limited number left, it is a reminder to schedule an appointment or order new lenses. - Eye Exam Appointments
Coordinate your contact lens replacements with your regular eye examination appointments. This way, you can get a new supply of lenses during your check-up.
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