If you wear contact lenses, you should take care of them to keep your eyes healthy and in good condition. How to care for contact lenses will depend on the type of lens used, but there are important hygiene and care principles that are appropriate for all types of lenses. If you don't use disposable contact lenses, you should make sure to take good care of your lenses and their storage case when you're not using them. Remember to follow your optometrist's guidelines and call your doctor if you have any difficulties.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Caring for Contact Lenses
Step 1. Clean and dry your hands when handling contact lenses
The first thing to remember is to always clean and dry your hands before putting on or removing contact lenses. Wash your hands thoroughly with mild soap and water before handling contact lenses.
- After washing, dry your hands with a lint-free towel.
- Do not expose your eyes to fur or lint.
- Wear contact lenses before putting on makeup.
- Remove contact lenses before removing makeup.
Step 2. To clean them, gently rub the contact lenses
You can clean each contact lens separately to clean the surface of dirt. Pour a small amount of contact lens cleaning fluid into the palm of your hand. Then, place the contact lens in the liquid and rub it gently with your index finger.
- After scrubbing, rinse contact lenses with contact lens cleaner.
- This "rub and rinse" method is considered very effective.
Step 3. Be careful when inserting and removing contact lenses
Do not wear contact lenses that irritate the eyes. Before attaching it, place the contact lens on your index finger and check for dust or not. Then, carefully place the contact lens in the center of the eye as usual. When removing them, be careful not to tear the contact lenses.
- Check that the lens is attached properly and not upside down. If attached upside down, the lens will not fit and may cause eye irritation.
- If you have trouble getting your contact lenses on or off, ask your ophthalmologist for guidance.
- You have to be extra careful if you have long, sharp, or slightly uneven nails so as not to damage the lens or injure your eyes.
Step 4. Do not clean contact lenses with water or saliva
You should only use special disinfectants to clean and store contact lenses. Never clean or rinse contact lenses with water, saliva, or other liquids. Microorganisms in the water can cause infection or even damage your eyesight.
- Never try to rinse contact lenses with your mouth. This will cause infection.
- Do not let contact lenses touch any water, including mineral water, distilled water, sea water, lake water and tap water.
- For the same reason, you should remove your contact lenses before swimming or bathing.
Step 5. Use the right contact lens cleaning fluid
Different types of lenses will require the use of different disinfectants. You must use the right contact lens cleaning fluid. So, listen to your ophthalmologist's advice and read the label of the cleaning fluid you have. You can use an all-purpose cleaner to clean and store contact lenses.
- Saline can be used to store contact lenses, but not to clean them.
- If you use liquid hydrogen peroxide, never wear contact lenses until you have completed the required cleaning and neutralization process.
Method 2 of 3: Keeping the Contact Lens Case Clean
Step 1. Fill the contact lens case with the cleaning fluid
Every time you use contact lenses, empty and refill the case with cleaning fluid. Don't just fill it up and let it go. Continue to replace the cleaning fluid with a new one.
- Remember to close the cleaning liquid bottle after you use it.
- Try not to touch the top of the contact lens cleaning fluid bottle to keep it clean.
- Replace the liquid according to the instructions on the bottle.
Step 2. Clean your contact lens case
In addition to cleaning your hands and contact lenses, you should also keep the contact lens case clean and in good condition. After use, you should rinse it thoroughly with cleaning fluid. Do not use water to clean it.
- Do not use a towel or cloth to dry the contact lens case.
- After rinsing, place the contact lens case out in the open to dry.
Step 3. Change the contact lens case regularly
In addition to keeping them clean, you should also change the contact lens storage case regularly. How often you should do this will depend on the guidance provided by your ophthalmologist and the specific instructions for the product you are using.
However, it is recommended that you replace the contact lens case every three months
Method 3 of 3: Wearing Contact Lenses Properly and Safely
Step 1. Do not wear contact lenses longer than required
Do not wear contact lenses for longer than the time recommended by your ophthalmologist. Call your eye doctor if you are not sure how long you can wear contact lenses. Your ophthalmologist can provide guidelines and charts that make it easier for you to keep track of the amount of time you wear contact lenses.
Step 2. Don't wear contact lenses while sleeping
If you are sleepy, be sure to remove your contact lenses before you fall asleep. If you wear them to sleep, contact lenses will dry out and irritate your eyes.
- There are several special contact lenses that were created to be worn while sleeping.
- Make sure that the contact lenses you use can be worn at bedtime before wearing them to bed.
Step 3. Never wear other people's contact lenses
As obvious as it sounds, never allow your contact lenses to be worn by someone else or use someone else's contact lenses under any circumstances. This is very unhygienic and can damage the eyes.
Step 4. Remove contact lenses if they irritate your eyes
If the contact lenses you wear cause eye irritation and discomfort, do not continue to wear them. Take them off and never use them again until you talk to your eye doctor. If contact lenses are contaminated and you continue to wear them, your eyes may become irritated and infected.
- If your eyes get a little dry after wearing them, remove the contact lenses and let your eyes rest.
- You can use saline drops to soothe dry eyes.
Step 5. Know when to call an eye doctor
You should have regular check-ups with your eye doctor. However, contact your doctor immediately if you experience more serious symptoms. If you have sudden loss of vision, have difficulty seeing for a long time, or see light flashes, call your eye doctor immediately. Other symptoms to watch for are:
- Pain in the eye.
- Swelling and the eyes appear unusually red.
- Irritation or watering for a long time..
Tips
- Be patient the first time you wear contact lenses. Your eyes may take a few days to adjust. Be sure to take it off immediately after work or school to let your eyes rest.
- If you get an optical contact lens case (other than the one your doctor gave you), be sure to clean it with an unscented antibacterial soap. The contact lens case may have been opened and touched by someone else.
- If dust gets into your eyes or contact lenses, slide the contact lens, looking both ways and up.
- When traveling, bring cleaning fluid, contact lens holder, glasses, and eye drops just in case.
- To prevent contact lenses from being worn upside down, place them on your fingertips to form a cup.
- You should follow the routine prescribed by your ophthalmologist and wear contact lenses only for the recommended duration.
Warning
- You should have glasses in case something happens to the contact lenses.
- In short, cleanliness is the most important factor that must be considered in caring for contact lenses. If you are not sure about the proper contact lens care steps, ask your ophthalmologist for advice.
- If you experience irritation despite diligent care for your contact lenses, you may have an allergy to the cleaning fluid. Call your ophthalmologist for another cleaning fluid.
- Wearing contact lenses can make your eyes more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunglasses with total UV protection and/or a wide hat when traveling outdoors.
- Do not apply anything (such as tap water) to the contact lens. Only use special contact lens cleaners and eye drops.
