The Dos and Don’ts of Wearing Contact Lenses

The Dos and Don’ts of Wearing Contact Lenses 

Introduction

Contact lenses are thin, curved discs that are placed on the surface of the eye to correct vision problems. They work by changing the way light enters the eye and focuses on the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Contact lenses can correct various types of refractive errors, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia.

People wear contact lenses for different reasons. Some prefer the convenience and appearance of contact lenses over glasses. Some find contact lenses more comfortable and suitable for their lifestyle and activities. Some need contact lenses to treat certain eye conditions or to enhance their eye color.

Contact lenses have many benefits, such as improved vision, peripheral vision, and self-esteem. They can also provide extra protection from ultraviolet rays and reduce glare and reflections. However, contact lenses also have some risks, such as eye infections, corneal ulcers, and allergic reactions. These risks can be minimized by following proper contact lens care and hygiene practices.

In this article, we will discuss the dos and don’ts of wearing contact lenses, and how to keep your eyes healthy and happy with contact lenses.

The Dos of Wearing Contact Lenses

Do get a proper prescription and fitting from an eye doctor

Before you start wearing contact lenses, you need to visit an eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam and a contact lens fitting. The eye doctor will check your vision, eye health, and eye shape, and prescribe the best type, size, and power of contact lenses for you. The eye doctor will also teach you how to insert, remove, and care for your contact lenses, and answer any questions you may have.

You should follow up with your eye doctor regularly, at least once a year, to monitor your eye health and update your prescription if needed. You should also contact your eye doctor if you experience any changes in your vision, eye comfort, or eye health.

Do follow the instructions for cleaning, storing, and replacing your contact lenses

One of the most important aspects of contact lens wear is proper cleaning, storing, and replacing of your contact lenses. This will help prevent the buildup of dirt, bacteria, and other contaminants that can cause eye infections and complications.

You should always wash your hands with soap and water before handling your contact lenses. You should also use a contact lens solution that is recommended by your eye doctor or contact lens manufacturer to clean, rinse, and disinfect your contact lenses. You should never use water, saliva, or homemade solutions to clean or moisten your contact lenses, as these can introduce harmful microorganisms into your eyes.

You should also use a clean and dry contact lens case to store your contact lenses when you are not wearing them. You should replace the contact lens solution in the case every time you use it, and replace the contact lens case every three months or as directed by your eye doctor.

You should also follow the replacement schedule for your contact lenses, which may vary depending on the type and brand of contact lenses you use. Some contact lenses are designed to be worn for a day and then discarded, while others can be worn for longer periods and then replaced weekly, biweekly, monthly, or quarterly. You should never wear your contact lenses longer than recommended, as this can increase the risk of eye problems.

Do use contact lens solutions and eye drops that are compatible with your lenses

Not all contact lens solutions and eye drops are the same. Some may contain ingredients that are not compatible with your contact lenses, and may cause irritation, damage, or reduced effectiveness of your contact lenses.

You should always use contact lens solutions and eye drops that are specifically designed for contact lens wearers, and that are compatible with the type and material of your contact lenses. You should also check the expiration date and the seal of the products before using them, and discard them if they are expired or opened.

You should also consult your eye doctor before using any over-the-counter or prescription eye drops, such as artificial tears, allergy drops, or medication drops, while wearing contact lenses. Some eye drops may require you to remove your contact lenses before applying them, and wait for a certain period of time before putting them back in. Some eye drops may also interact with your contact lenses and affect your vision or eye health.

Do protect your eyes from sunlight, dust, and chemicals

Contact lenses can provide some protection from ultraviolet (UV) rays, but they do not cover the entire surface of your eye. Therefore, you should always wear sunglasses with UV protection and a wide-brimmed hat when you are outdoors, to protect your eyes from sun damage and reduce the risk of cataracts and other eye diseases.

You should also avoid exposing your eyes to dust, smoke, pollen, and other airborne particles that can irritate your eyes and cause allergies or infections. You should wear protective eyewear, such as goggles or glasses, when you are in dusty or smoky environments, or when you are doing activities that may involve flying debris, such as woodworking, gardening, or sports.

You should also be careful when using chemicals, such as household cleaners, cosmetics, or hair products, that may come into contact with your eyes or your contact lenses. You should avoid spraying or splashing these products near your eyes, and wash your hands thoroughly before handling your contact lenses. You should also remove your contact lenses before swimming, showering, or using a hot tub, as these can expose your eyes to chlorine, bacteria, and other contaminants that can cause eye infections.

Do check your eyes regularly for signs of irritation, infection, or injury

Even if you follow all the dos of wearing contact lenses, you may still experience some problems or complications with your contact lenses. Therefore, you should check your eyes regularly for any signs of irritation, infection, or injury, such as:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Pain
• Discharge
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurred vision
• Dryness
• Burning
• Itching
• Gritty feeling
• Foreign body sensation

If you notice any of these symptoms, you should remove your contact lenses immediately and contact your eye doctor as soon as possible. You should not wear your contact lenses again until your eye doctor examines your eyes and gives you the clearance to do so. You should also bring your contact lenses and contact lens case with you to your eye doctor, as they may help identify the cause of your problem.

The Don’ts of Wearing Contact Lenses

Don’t wear contact lenses longer than recommended

One of the most common mistakes that contact lens wearers make is wearing their contact lenses longer than recommended. This can be tempting, especially if you have a busy schedule or a tight budget, but it can also be very dangerous for your eyes.

Wearing contact lenses longer than recommended can reduce the oxygen supply to your eyes, and increase the accumulation of deposits and microbes on your contact lenses. This can lead to a condition called contact lens overwear syndrome, which can cause symptoms such as:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Pain
• Discharge
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurred vision
• Corneal ulcers
• Corneal neovascularization (growth of new blood vessels on the cornea)
• Corneal scarring
• Vision loss

To prevent contact lens overwear syndrome, you should always follow the replacement schedule for your contact lenses, and never wear them longer than recommended. You should also avoid sleeping, napping, or dozing off with your contact lenses in, unless they are specifically designed for overnight wear. Even then, you should limit the number of nights you wear them, and give your eyes a break from contact lenses at least once a week.

Don’t sleep, swim, or shower with contact lenses in

Another common mistake that contact lens wearers make is sleeping, swimming, or showering with contact lenses in. This can expose your eyes to water, which can contain bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and other contaminants that can cause serious eye infections,One of the most serious eye infections that can result from sleeping, swimming, or showering with contact lenses in is called Acanthamoeba keratitis, which is caused by a microscopic parasite that lives in water. Acanthamoeba keratitis can cause symptoms such as:

• Severe pain
• Redness
• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Eye discharge
• Corneal ulceration
• Corneal scarring
• Vision loss

Acanthamoeba keratitis is very difficult to treat, and may require intensive medication, surgery, or even corneal transplantation. In some cases, it can lead to permanent blindness.

To prevent Acanthamoeba keratitis and other water-related eye infections, you should always remove your contact lenses before sleeping, swimming, or showering. You should also avoid using tap water, distilled water, or saline solution to clean or store your contact lenses, as these can also contain Acanthamoeba and other microorganisms. You should only use contact lens solutions that are approved by your eye doctor or contact lens manufacturer.

Don’t share or reuse contact lenses or contact lens cases

Another common mistake that contact lens wearers make is sharing or reusing contact lenses or contact lens cases. This can be tempting, especially if you want to try a different color, style, or brand of contact lenses, or if you run out of your own contact lenses or contact lens cases. However, this can also be very dangerous for your eyes.

Sharing or reusing contact lenses or contact lens cases can transfer bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and other contaminants from one person’s eyes to another’s. This can cause eye infections and complications, such as:

• Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
• Keratitis (inflammation of the cornea)
• Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids)
• Styes (bumps on the eyelids)
• Corneal ulcers
• Corneal scarring
• Vision loss

To prevent eye infections and complications from sharing or reusing contact lenses or contact lens cases, you should always use your own contact lenses and contact lens cases, and never lend or borrow them from anyone else. You should also replace your contact lenses and contact lens cases according to the recommended schedule, and never use expired or damaged contact lenses or contact lens cases.

Don’t use water, saliva, or homemade solutions to clean or moisten your contact lenses

Another common mistake that contact lens wearers make is using water, saliva, or homemade solutions to clean or moisten their contact lenses. This can be tempting, especially if you are in a hurry, or if you run out of contact lens solutions or eye drops. However, this can also be very harmful for your eyes.

Water, saliva, or homemade solutions can contain bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and other contaminants that can cause eye infections and complications, as we have discussed in the previous sections. They can also damage the surface and shape of your contact lenses, and reduce their effectiveness and comfort.

To avoid using water, saliva, or homemade solutions to clean or moisten your contact lenses, you should always carry a spare bottle of contact lens solution and eye drops with you, and keep them in a cool and dry place. You should also plan ahead and stock up on contact lens supplies, and order new ones before you run out of them. You should also never use contact lens solutions or eye drops that are not compatible with your contact lenses, as we have discussed in the previous sections.

Don’t ignore any eye problems or symptoms that may arise from contact lens wear

The last but not the least mistake that contact lens wearers make is ignoring any eye problems or symptoms that may arise from contact lens wear. This can be tempting, especially if you think that the problem or symptom is minor, or that it will go away on its own. However, this can also be very risky for your eyes.

Ignoring any eye problems or symptoms that may arise from contact lens wear can delay the diagnosis and treatment of potentially serious eye conditions, and worsen the outcome and prognosis of your eye health. Some eye problems or symptoms that may arise from contact lens wear may indicate a medical emergency, and require immediate attention and care.

To avoid ignoring any eye problems or symptoms that may arise from contact lens wear, you should always pay attention to your eyes and how they feel and look. You should also be aware of the common signs and causes of eye infections and complications, as we have discussed in the previous sections. You should also contact your eye doctor as soon as possible if you notice any eye problems or symptoms, and follow their advice and instructions. You should also remove your contact lenses and stop wearing them until your eye doctor examines your eyes and gives you the clearance to do so.

Conclusion

Contact lenses are a great option for many people who want to correct their vision and enhance their appearance. However, contact lenses also require proper care and hygiene, and adherence to some dos and don’ts of wearing contact lenses. By following these dos and don’ts, you can enjoy the benefits of contact lenses, and avoid the risks of contact lenses, and keep your eyes healthy and happy with contact lenses.

We hope that this article has been informative and helpful for you. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them with us. We would love to hear from you.

FAQs

Q: How often should I replace my contact lenses and contact lens case?

A: The frequency of replacing your contact lenses and contact lens case depends on the type and brand of contact lenses you use, and the instructions from your eye doctor or contact lens manufacturer. Some contact lenses are designed to be worn for a day and then discarded, while others can be worn for longer periods and then replaced weekly, biweekly, monthly, or quarterly. You should never wear your contact lenses longer than recommended, as this can increase the risk of eye problems. You should also replace your contact lens case every three months or as directed by your eye doctor, and never use expired or damaged contact lens cases, as this can also increase the risk of eye infections and complications.

Q: Can I wear contact lenses if I have dry eyes, allergies, or astigmatism?

A: Yes, you can wear contact lenses if you have dry eyes, allergies, or astigmatism, as long as you consult your eye doctor and get a proper prescription and fitting for contact lenses that are suitable for your eye condition and needs. There are different types and materials of contact lenses that are designed to address different eye conditions and preferences, such as:

• Soft contact lenses, which are made of flexible plastic that conforms to the shape of the eye, and are comfortable and easy to wear.
• Rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses, which are made of rigid plastic that allows oxygen to pass through, and are durable and resistant to deposits and bacteria.
• Silicone hydrogel contact lenses, which are a type of soft contact lenses that have high oxygen permeability, and are ideal for dry eyes and extended wear.
• Hydrogel contact lenses, which are a type of soft contact lenses that have high water content, and are ideal for dry eyes and comfort.
• Toric contact lenses, which are a type of contact lenses that have different powers in different meridians, and are ideal for astigmatism and irregular corneas.
• Multifocal contact lenses, which are a type of contact lenses that have different powers in different zones, and are ideal for presbyopia and near and far vision.
• Scleral contact lenses, which are a type of large-diameter contact lenses that cover the entire cornea and part of the sclera (the white of the eye), and are ideal for dry eyes, irregular corneas, and keratoconus.
• Colored contact lenses, which are a type of contact lenses that have a tint or a pattern that changes or enhances the color of the eye, and are ideal for cosmetic purposes.

You should always follow your eye doctor’s advice and instructions on how to wear and care for your contact lenses, and use contact lens solutions and eye drops that are compatible with your contact lenses and your eye condition.

Q: How can I improve the comfort and performance of my contact lenses?

A: There are some tips and tricks that you can follow to improve the comfort and performance of your contact lenses, such as:

• Always wash your hands with soap and water before handling your contact lenses, and avoid touching your eyes or your contact lenses with dirty or oily fingers.
• Always insert your contact lenses before applying any makeup, and remove your contact lenses before removing any makeup, and avoid getting any makeup on your contact lenses or your eyes.
• Always use fresh contact lens solution to clean, rinse, and disinfect your contact lenses, and never use water, saliva, or homemade solutions to clean or moisten your contact lenses, as these can damage your contact lenses and cause eye infections and complications.
• Always store your contact lenses in a clean and dry contact lens case, and replace the contact lens solution in the case every time you use it, and replace the contact lens case every three months or as directed by your eye doctor, and never share or reuse contact lenses or contact lens cases, as these can transfer bacteria and other contaminants from one person’s eyes to another’s.
• Always follow the replacement schedule for your contact lenses, and never wear your contact lenses longer than recommended, and never sleep, swim, or shower with your contact lenses in, as these can reduce the oxygen supply to your eyes and increase the risk of eye infections and complications.
• Always use contact lens solutions and eye drops that are specifically designed for contact lens wearers, and that are compatible with the type and material of your contact lenses, and consult your eye doctor before using any over-the-counter.
• prescription eye drops, such as artificial tears, allergy drops, or medication drops, while wearing contact lenses, as some eye drops may require you to remove your contact lenses before applying them, and wait for a certain period of time before putting them back in, and some eye drops may also interact with your contact lenses and affect your vision or eye health.
• Always wear sunglasses with UV protection and a wide-brimmed hat when you are outdoors, to protect your eyes from sun damage and reduce the risk of cataracts and other eye diseases, and avoid exposing your eyes to dust, smoke, pollen, and other airborne particles that can irritate your eyes and cause allergies or infections, and wear protective eyewear, such as goggles or glasses, when you are in dusty or smoky environments, or when you are doing activities that may involve flying debris, such as woodworking, gardening, or sports.
• Always check your eyes regularly for any signs of irritation, infection, or injury, such as redness, swelling, pain, discharge, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, dryness, burning, itching, gritty feeling, or foreign body sensation, and remove your contact lenses immediately and contact your eye doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of these symptoms, and do not wear your contact lenses again until your eye doctor examines your eyes and gives you the clearance to do so, and bring your contact lenses and contact lens case with you to your eye doctor, as they may help identify the cause of your problem.

Q: How can I tell if my contact lenses are inside out or not?

A: One way to tell if your contact lenses are inside out or not is to look at them from the side. If the edges of the contact lenses are flared out, like a bowl with a rim, then they are inside out. If the edges of the contact lenses are curved in, like a cup, then they are right side out. Another way to tell if your contact lenses are inside out or not is to place them on your finger and look at them from the front. If the contact lenses have a 3D shape, like a dome, then they are right side out. If the contact lenses have a flat shape, like a plate, then they are inside out. You should always make sure that your contact lenses are right side out before inserting them into your eyes, as wearing them inside out can cause discomfort, blurred vision, and eye damage.

Q: How can I remove my contact lenses safely and easily?

A: To remove your contact lenses safely and easily, you should follow these steps:

• Wash your hands with soap and water and dry them with a lint-free towel.
• Look up and pull down your lower eyelid with your middle finger of your dominant hand.
• Use your index finger of your dominant hand to gently slide the contact lens down to the white part of your eye.
• Use your thumb and index finger of your dominant hand to gently pinch the contact lens and lift it off your eye.
• Place the contact lens in your palm and rinse it with contact lens solution.
• Store the contact lens in a clean and dry contact lens case filled with fresh contact lens solution.
• Repeat the same steps for the other eye.

You should never use your fingernails, tweezers, or any sharp objects to remove your contact lenses, as these can damage your contact lenses and your eyes. You should also never rub your eyes or blink hard while wearing contact lenses, as these can dislodge your contact lenses and cause eye irritation or injury.

Q: How can I find my contact lenses if I drop them or lose them?

A: If you drop or lose your contact lenses, you should not panic, as there are some ways to find them. Here are some tips and tricks that you can try:

• If you drop your contact lenses on the floor, you can use a flashlight or a magnifying glass to look for them, as they may reflect light or appear larger. You can also use a piece of cloth or paper towel to sweep the floor gently, as the contact lenses may stick to them. You can also use a vacuum cleaner with a nylon stocking or a coffee filter attached to the nozzle, as the contact lenses may be sucked into them.
• If you drop your contact lenses in the sink, you can use a strainer or a colander to catch them, as they may float or sink in the water. You can also use a plunger or a drain snake to retrieve them, as they may be stuck in the drain. You can also use a wet cotton swab or a Q-tip to dab the sink gently, as the contact lenses may adhere to them.
• If you drop your contact lenses on your clothes, you can use a lint roller or a tape to remove them, as they may cling to the fabric. You can also use a hair dryer or a fan to blow them off, as they may be blown away by the air. You can also use a magnet or a metal detector to locate them, as they may be attracted by the metal.
• If you lose your contact lenses in your eyes, you can use a mirror or a friend to help you find them, as they may be visible or noticeable. You can also use eye drops or saline solution to flush them out, as they may be washed out by the liquid. You can also use your eyelids to move them around, as they may be repositioned by the eyelid movement.

If you find your contact lenses, you should always clean, rinse, and disinfect them with contact lens solution before wearing them again, and check them for any damage or defects. If you cannot find your contact lenses, or if they are damaged or defective, you should discard them and replace them with new ones, and contact your eye doctor if you have any eye problems or symptoms.