As a contact lens wearer, you know the freedom and convenience they provide. But with that freedom comes great responsibility in caring for your eyes properly. Don't take short cuts - your eye health depends on it. In this article, learn the best practices for inserting, removing, and disinfecting your lenses. Discover what signs to watch for in case complications arise. And find out whether extended wear lenses are right for your eyes. Arm yourself with the knowledge you need to wear contacts safely. The health of your eyes is too precious to put at risk.

 

Maintaining Proper Contact Lens Hygiene

Cleaning Your Lenses

To prevent eye infections and keep your lenses comfortable, you must properly clean and disinfect them after each use. Gently rub and rinse each lens with contact lens solution and lukewarm water. Then soak the lenses in disinfecting solution for at least 6 hours or as directed. Never use saline solution, rewetting drops, or tap water for disinfecting. Be sure to use solutions that are specifically for your lens type.

Storing Your Lenses

After cleaning, lenses should be left to air dry completely before storing them in their cases. Store lenses in the case designed for that specific lens. Never store lenses in a solution, as this can lead to infection. Keep lens cases clean by rinsing them with solution and air drying them when lenses are not inside. Replace your lens case every 3-6 months.

Handling Your Lenses

Always wash and rinse your hands thoroughly before handling contact lenses. Dry your hands completely. Never handle lenses with long or jagged fingernails. Be very gentle when inserting and removing lenses to avoid tearing or dropping them. Never use eyedrops, creams, or ointments unless specifically approved for use with contact lenses.

Common Mistakes to Avoid With Contact Lens Wear

Some common mistakes that can harm your eyes include wearing lenses longer than prescribed, not properly cleaning lenses, reusing lens solution, showering or swimming while wearing lenses, and not giving your eyes breaks from lens wear as directed. It is also important not to sleep while wearing lenses unless you have been specifically fitted for extended or continuous wear lenses.

Step-by-Step Guide to Inserting and Removing Contact Lenses

Prepare Your Lenses

Before handling your contact lenses, thoroughly wash and rinse your hands with a mild soap and water, then pat them dry with a clean towel. This removes any dirt, oils, or debris that could contaminate the lenses.

Inserting Your Lenses

Once your hands are clean and dry, remove one lens from its storage case. Check that the lens is moist, clean, and free of any tears or damage before inserting it. Gently place the lens on the tip of your index finger and tilt your head back slightly. Use the middle finger of your dominant hand to gently lift one eyelid, and place the lens onto the white part of your eye (the sclera). Gently slide the lens over the colored part of your eye (the iris).

Check the Fit and Vision

Blink a few times to center the lens. It should feel comfortable and move freely with your eye movements. Check that your vision is clear in all directions. If the lens feels uncomfortable, is not centered, or your vision seems off, remove the lens and reinsert or check with your eye doctor.

Removing Your Lenses

To remove lenses, wash and rinse your hands again. Tilt your head back and look up into a mirror. Gently pinch the lens between your thumb and index finger and slide it out. Place the used lens into the palm of your hand, then transfer it to its correct storage case and fill it with fresh solution. Rinse the lens case with solution and let it air dry completely.

Recognizing Signs of Eye Irritation and Infection

When wearing contact lenses, it's crucial to monitor your eyes regularly for any signs of irritation or infection. Some symptoms to watch out for include:

Redness and Swelling

If your eyes become increasingly red or swollen after inserting or removing your lenses, this could indicate an eye infection or allergic reaction. Remove your lenses immediately and consult your eye care professional. Do not reinsert your lenses until the redness and swelling have cleared and your doctor has given approval.

Eye Discharge and Crusting

Excessive eye discharge, especially if thick, colored, or accompanied by crusting around the eyes, can be a sign of eye infection or inflammation. Remove your lenses right away and see your eye doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Eye Pain or Sensitivity

Sharp pain, aching, or increased sensitivity to light when wearing your lenses warrants removal and evaluation by your eye doctor. While minor irritation is common when first starting to wear contact lenses, prolonged or severe discomfort can indicate a more serious eye condition that requires treatment.

Blurry Vision

If your vision seems blurry, hazy, or distorted with your lenses in, remove them at once. This can be a sign of improper lens fit, lens tear or defect, or other issues that need to be addressed by your eye care professional. Do not reinsert lenses until your vision has cleared and the underlying cause has been diagnosed and resolved.

Excessive Tearing or Dryness

Noticeable changes in tear production, either excessive tearing or dry, irritated eyes, can indicate a contact lens complication and should be evaluated by your eye doctor, especially if accompanied by other symptoms. Proper lens care and disinfection, lens replacement schedule, and use of lubricating drops may need to be reviewed to ensure healthy, comfortable contact lens wear.

The Impact of Overnight Wear on Eye Health

Extended contact lens wear, especially overnight use, can potentially lead to eye irritation and other complications. When lenses are worn for longer periods, the risks of eye infections and inflammation increase.

Dry Eyes and Eye Irritation

Prolonged contact lens wear can lead to dry, irritated eyes as the lenses absorb moisture from the eyes. The eyes may feel gritty, burn, or sting. Using lubricating eye drops, limiting lens wear to 12-14 hours, and removing lenses at night can help relieve and prevent dry eye symptoms.

Eye Infections

Overnight lens use increases the risks of eye infections like conjunctivitis (pink eye) and keratitis (inflammation of the cornea). Bacteria can build up on lenses during extended wear and enter the eyes, causing infection. To reduce infection risks, disinfect and properly care for lenses as directed, never sleep in lenses unless prescribed for extended wear, and see an eye doctor right away if you notice eye redness, pain, blurred vision, or increased light sensitivity.

Other Complications

Extended contact lens wear may lead to other issues like corneal ulcers, corneal abrasions, styes, and blood vessel growth on the whites of the eyes. Giving your eyes a break from lenses for one night a week and limiting daily wear to 12-14 hours can help prevent long-term eye damage and other complications. See an eye doctor regularly for eye exams to detect any problems early.

While overnight lens wear offers convenience, it significantly increases health risks. The best way to keep your eyes healthy is to limit the time lenses are worn, disinfect and care for them properly, give your eyes breaks from lens wear when possible, see an eye doctor regularly and be on alert for any signs of irritation or infection. Your vision and eye health should be top priorities, so take steps to prevent damage and catch any problems early. Practicing good hygiene and moderation with contact lens wear will help ensure healthy, happy eyes for years to come.

Caring for Your Eyes While Wearing Contacts Long-Term

When wearing contact lenses regularly over an extended period of time, it's critical to properly care for your eyes to maintain vision and eye health. Establish a regular cleaning routine. Remove, clean, and disinfect your contact lenses as directed by your eye care professional to prevent eye infections and irritation. Typically, contact lenses should be removed, cleaned, and disinfected daily. Replaced lenses as directed, usually every month or two for disposable lenses and up to a year for some extended-wear lenses.

Remove Lenses Properly

Always wash and rinse your hands thoroughly before handling your contact lenses. Gently remove one lens at a time, pulling from the outer edge using your index finger and thumb. Do not use sharp fingernails that could damage the lens. Rinse each lens with cleaning solution and neutral pH saline before storing in the appropriate lens case.

Disinfect and Rinse Lenses

Soak lenses in disinfecting solution for at least six hours or as directed to kill germs. Rinse lenses with saline to remove any remaining solution before reinserting or storing lenses.

Inspect Lenses and Your Eyes Regularly

Examine lenses for any damage or tears before inserting them. Check your eyes in a mirror for signs of redness, irritation, excessive discharge, or other abnormalities. See your eye doctor right away if you notice any issues.

Limit Extended Lens Wear

While some lenses are approved for overnight wear, continuous extended wear of lenses increases the risks of eye infections and other complications. It's best to limit extended lens wear to no more than 4 to 6 nights per week. Giving your eyes breaks from lens wear helps keep them healthy in the long run.

By following proper hygiene and care guidelines consistently, you can continue wearing contact lenses comfortably and safely while protecting your vision and eye health for years to come. However, be sure to see your eye care professional regularly for comprehensive eye exams to monitor your eyes and ensure the health of your vision.

Tips for Keeping Your Eyes Moisturized With Contacts

Use Lubricating Eye Drops

Eye drops formulated for contact lens wearers help supplement your eyes’ natural tears to prevent dryness. Look for drops containing lubricants like hyaluronan or polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400). Apply drops as directed, especially in dry environments or if your eyes feel irritated.

Give Your Eyes a Break

While daily disposable lenses are designed for extended wear, it’s still a good idea to give your eyes a break when possible. Remove your lenses for at least a few hours each day or one day each week. This allows your eyes to breathe and naturally rehydrate. If wearing lenses for special occasions like holidays, take them out as soon as you’re home for the day or evening.

Practice Good Lens Care

Properly caring for your lenses is key to eye health and moisture. Always wash and rinse your hands before handling lenses. Disinfect lenses as directed using a fresh solution each time. Never use saliva or tap water. Replace your lenses and lens cases as indicated to prevent buildup of proteins and bacteria. Clean your lens case weekly using hot, soapy water and allow all parts to air dry completely.

See Your Eye Doctor Regularly

Have your eyes examined by an eye care professional once a year or as recommended. They can check for any signs of eye irritation or dryness and recommend treatment. They can also ensure your lenses still fit properly and provide maximum comfort. Report any vision changes or concerns with your lenses right away for evaluation.

Following these tips for keeping your eyes lubricated and practicing good lens hygiene will help ensure healthy, comfortable vision for years to come. Make eye care a priority and your contact lenses can remain a safe and convenient vision correction option.

Protecting Your Vision With Regular Eye Exams

To properly care for your vision when wearing contact lenses, it is essential to get comprehensive eye exams on a regular basis. Annual eye exams are recommended to monitor your vision and eye health. During your exam, your eye doctor will check that your contact lens prescription still accurately corrects your vision and that the lenses are fitting properly. They will also screen for any signs of infection or other complications that could arise from contact lens wear.

Vision changes are often gradual, so you may not notice small reductions in your visual acuity or clarity right away. However, even minor vision changes can have significant effects on your quality of life and day to day function. Regular eye exams ensure your contact lens prescription is up to date and that your lenses continue providing you with maximum visual correction and comfort.

Eye exams also allow your eye doctor to check for early signs of infection or damage to your eyes that could be related to or exacerbated by contact lens wear. Conditions like corneal ulcers, conjunctivitis, and keratitis can develop rapidly and lead to vision loss if left untreated. Your eye doctor will examine your eyes for redness, discharge, irritation or any other symptoms that could indicate an eye health issue. They can then prescribe medication or treatment to resolve the problem before your vision is impacted.

In addition to a comprehensive eye health evaluation, your eye doctor can also provide guidance on proper contact lens care and hygiene during your exam. They can reinforce how long you should wear your lenses, how to properly clean and disinfect them, and common mistakes to avoid. Following their recommendations carefully will help reduce your risks of eye infections and other issues that can arise from contact lens wear.

Overall, regular eye exams - ideally once every six to twelve months - are the best way to protect your vision and eye health when wearing contact lenses. Be sure to schedule your appointments as recommended by your eye doctor to safeguard your eyesight for years to come.