Contact lenses are a convenient and effective way of correcting vision, but wearing them incorrectly can lead to discomfort and potential damage to your eyes. To ensure that you get the most out of your contact lenses, it’s important to know how to wear them correctly. Here are some dos and don’ts for wearing contact lenses.
Dos:
1. Wash your hands: Before handling your contact lenses, it’s important to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. This will help prevent the transfer of dirt and bacteria to your lenses and eyes.
2. Use the right solution: Always use the recommended contact lens solution to clean and store your lenses. Never use water, saline solution, or other types of liquid to clean your lenses, as these can lead to eye infections.
3. Follow the prescribed wearing schedule: Some contact lenses are designed for daily wear, while others are meant to be worn for an extended period of time. It’s important to follow the wearing schedule prescribed by your eye care professional to avoid any complications.
4. Replace your lenses as directed: Contact lenses have a limited lifespan, and wearing them beyond their recommended replacement schedule can lead to eye infections and other complications. Always replace your lenses according to the schedule provided by your eye care professional.
5. Remove your lenses before bed: Unless you have specifically prescribed extended wear lenses, it’s important to remove your contact lenses before going to sleep. Sleeping in your lenses can lead to dryness, discomfort, and an increased risk of infection.
Don’ts:
1. Use expired or damaged lenses: Using expired or damaged contact lenses can lead to eye irritation and infection. Always check the expiration date and condition of your lenses before wearing them.
2. Share your contact lenses: Sharing contact lenses with others can transfer bacteria and increase the risk of infection. Avoid sharing your lenses with others, and never use someone else’s lenses.
3. Wear your lenses in water: Swimming, showering, or engaging in water activities while wearing contact lenses can increase the risk of eye infections. Water can introduce bacteria and other harmful microorganisms to your eyes, so it’s best to remove your lenses before coming into contact with water.
4. Overwear your lenses: Wearing your lenses for longer than the recommended time can lead to discomfort, dryness, and an increased risk of infection. It’s important to follow the prescribed wearing schedule and remove your lenses when necessary.
5. Ignore discomfort: If your contact lenses are causing discomfort, it’s important to remove them and consult your eye care professional. Ignoring discomfort can lead to more serious issues and potential damage to your eyes.
By following these dos and don’ts, you can ensure that you wear your contact lenses correctly and minimize the risk of discomfort and complications. If you have any questions or concerns about wearing contact lenses, don’t hesitate to consult your eye care professional for guidance.