How To Ensure A Safe And Comfy Contact Lens Experience
Contact lenses are an easy way to achieve sharp vision without glasses. Unfortunately, disposable daily contacts are expensive and may not fit the eyes properly, so in most cases it is necessary to purchase bi-weekly or monthly lenses and maintain them until replacement. Although daily maintenance may seem like a daunting task, caring for your contacts is quite simple once you have the right tools and knowledge at hand.
The Solution for Your Contacts
Once you are approved for contact lenses, your eye doctor will recommend a contact lens solution for you to use to clean and disinfect them. Also, the moisturizers in the solution will make wearing them more comfortable each day. It is vital to use fresh solution when rinsing or soaking your contacts overnight. Solutions have both an expiration date and a set period of time they can be used once opened, so it's important to keep track of when they need to be replaced.
Lens Case Care
Another important component of contact lens wear is the case used to store them for cleaning. For maximum comfort and safety, you can quickly rinse the case in contact lens solution and let air dry before the next use. Virtually all contact lenses will have one cap with an "L" or "R" so that you can easily keep track of which lens goes into each eye.
Staying Comfortable While Wearing Them
Today's contact lenses are quite comfortable to wear and let plenty of oxygen into the eyes. Nevertheless, you may find that they may begin feeling dry, especially on windy days. You can use rewetting drops to restore their moisture, and your eye doctor can recommend a particular brand that's compatible with your lens regimen.
Swimming and Contact Lenses Don't Mix
Although contact lenses are suitable for most activities, they are generally not considered safe for swimming. According to the American Optometric Association, contact lenses can absorb the chemicals and organisms present in pools and other bodies of water. In the event of accidental wear while swimming, it is strongly suggested that the lenses be thrown out to minimize the risk of infection.
Other Tips for Contact Lens Wearers
The Food and Drug Administration has guidelines for contact lens wearers, including the following:
- Many contact lenses are approved for overnight wear, but it's generally best to remove them for cleaning every night whenever possible
- Instead of packing a large bottle of solution into a smaller one, smaller bottles of most brands are available at pharmacies and convenience stores
- Remove lenses immediately if your eyes get irritated or if you notice changes in vision
- Only use sterile solutions with contact lenses
In the rare event you need medical attention, an ophthalmologist or urgent care doctor can diagnose and treat eye problems. Also, some optometrists are able to prescribe any medication needed for eye issues.
Contact lenses are a safe alternative to glasses and surgery. Once you know how to care for them, the process will become a normal part of your daily routine. Speak with an eye doctor like Glacier Eye Clinic today to see if contacts are right for you.
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