The eyes are the windows of the soul and this being the case, it is every individual’s responsibility to take care of his or her eyes. Unfortunately, people forget the good habits and some end up having vision issues as they grow old. In the U.S. alone, there are currently 36 million people who are wearing contact lens.
And so they wear eyeglasses or contact lens. Between the two, many will agree that the contact lenses are more convenient as they don’t put a strain on the nose and ears which are normally affected if one wears a pair of eyeglasses.
Hygiene is Important
In terms of care and maintenance, however, the contact lens require more effort and the cost can be higher compared to owning just a pair of eyeglasses. One normally needs to buy a special cleaning solution on a regular basis and a special casing where you can safely keep the contacts every night. Additionally, you will need a separate lubricating solution to moisten your eyes several times each day.
Medical experts recommend that before touching your contacts, one should wash his or her hands with soap and water then let them dry. This will keep the devices dirt-free while you massage them to remove any debris. The contacts then need too be put in a case containing fresh solution with its lid on while you doze off during the night.
But other than being able to handle them properly every day, there are many other vital steps that have to be taken.
Mistakes to Avoid
Never allow tap water to come in contact with your lenses. Keep in mind that tap water is not salty and as such, the lenses will absorb the water and make them swell. When this happens, the lens will no longer fit on your eye and will most likely tighten on the eye.
Avoid recycling your solution because this will surely cause eye infection. The solution is exposed to debris and bacteria and reusing them will only make your lens all the more dirty. Also when you ran out of solution or your contacts are bothering you, do not even attempt to use tap water or your saliva because again, bacteria can get into them.
Do make sure to change your contact lens case every three months if possible. Throw away your old ones and avoid reusing them again. In line with this, old lenses should also be thrown away. The reasons are that they no longer have the same prescription and the solution usually is only good for a specific period of time.
Do not follow your own will when it comes to using your contacts. If your doctor prescribed the lens for two weeks, you need to wear it regularly and not just when you feel like it.
Finally, watch out for warning signs. Discomfort, red and irritated eyes, blurry vision and slight pain, all these should tell you not to wear your contacts and to consult your doctor right away.
Images via hooptometrist and healthypalm