5 Safety Tips for Contact Lens Wearers

Are you considering switching to contact lenses?

You have probably heard that it is better to stick to your spectacles because lenses can damage your eyesight or blurry your vision. — First-time wearers are unaware of the precautions they have to follow, and as a result, they end up developing infections or inflammation such as keratitis and conjunctivitis.

However, if you keep the following tips in mind you’ll be on the path to a lifetime of success with your new eyewear.

1: Handle your contacts with clean, dry hands

Before you put in or take out your contact lenses, ensure that your hands are clean and dry so water won’t come into contact with your eyes, as this would increase the risk of contracting an infection.

If you’re using bi-weekly or monthly contacts, these should be cleaned after each use, whereas if you’re wearing daily disposable lenses, these should be discarded right away.

Choosing between daily and monthly lenses is really a matter of personal preference, but sometimes this depends on the frequency you’re planning to wear them for- choosing the right type of lenses will help keep your eyesight at its best and even help you to save money! For instance, some people prefer wearing contacts only on weekends or once a month and therefore opt for daily eyewear, whereas those who wear them every day may opt for monthly contacts.

Furthermore, contact lens wearers should never use tap water to clean either their lenses and storage case, but the contact lens solution recommended by their doctor. If you’re going swimming it is advised that you wear your spectacles, as exposing your contacts to water can lead to irritation. In fact, Irenie Ekkeshis developed Acanthamoeba Keratitis (AK), after handling her contacts with dry hands. AK is a rare infection that can result in permanent visual impairment and It is caused by Acanthamoeba- a free-living organism that is found in water, soil and dust. This illness affects more than 100 people in the UK every year, and most of the cases are associated with the improper handling of contact lenses.

Therefore, to decrease the risk of developing AK, it is recommended that you:

• Wash your hands with soap and water before handling your lenses.
• Replace your contacts according to the schedule recommended by your doctor.
• Clean your lenses every time you remove them as this removes any harmful residues, thus reducing the risk of developing an infection.
• Clean the storage cases with a sterile contact lens solution- DON’T use tap water!
• Replace the storage case once every three months.

My advice to people is simple. Never let your lenses come into contact with water in the shower, swimming or when washing.- Irenie Ekkeshis

2: Wear your contacts before applying makeup

The American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Optometric Association claim that eye makeup is one of the problems of contact lens wearers — but if you think that you can’t enjoy wearing makeup, think again.

It is advised that you put in your contacts before applying makeup and use water-based products, as powder tends to get into your eyes, causing irritation.

If your eyes are red or swollen or think you have contracted an infection, contact your doctor right away.

3: Don’t sleep in your contacts!

You should always remove your lenses before you go to sleep unless you’re wearing extended wear lenses- These are specifically designed for those with a busy lifestyle and don’t have time to disinfect their eyewear, as they can be worn for up to 30 days. As the name implies, you can wear them for an extended period, but it is recommended that you seek professional advice if you’re interested in extended wear lenses.

Dr Jon Femling states that sleeping in contacts can lead to dry eyes and conjunctivitis and should also be taken out before napping. What happens is that, when we’re awake our eyes are open and this brings oxygen to our cornea; however, if we sleep in contacts we’re depriving our eyes of oxygen, causing corneal infections.

4: Keep your eyes hydrated

Whether you wear contact lenses or not, doctors recommend that adults drink at least 2 litres per day- you should make sure that you’re drinking enough water in summer and during exercise, as this helps to compensate for the lost fluids.

Moreover, it would be best if you also keep your eyes hydrated- this depends on your lifestyle and environment. For instance, if you spend most of your time on a computer and are exposed to dry air or air conditioning, you may find that re-wetting drops may make your wearing experience more comfortable. Doctors even recommend them to non- contact lens wearers as they help lubricate the eye, improve comfort and remove debris.

If you’re considering to buy re-wetting drops, it is recommended that you consult your physician first as there are different products and not all of them may be suitable for your needs. Keep in mind that not all eye drops are compatible with contacts.

5: Self-check your contacts

After you insert your lenses, ask yourself these questions to prevent eye irritation:

• How do they feel? Do they hurt when you blink your eyes? Remove them and wear them again- if the problem persists, call your doctor.
• How’s your vision? If it’s blurry then something is wrong, and you should remove them as soon as possible.

There are a lot of myths that contact lenses lead to permanent damage, but they’re practically safe to use if you take extra precautions and handle them with care. It takes time until you get used to your new eyewear, but following your doctor’s advice will help you feel more confident and value and put your first-time concerns behind you.

Kristina Galea