About 20 percent of Americans in need of vision correction wear contact lenses. They can thank Leonardo da Vinci for the concept, as he first came up with the idea in 1508. But what da Vinci did not know was that if you do not take care of your eyes and your contact lenses, they can do more harm than good.
Those who have worn contact lenses for some time are aware of the problems that can crop up. But if you are a first-time user, consider these eye-care tips:
Cleanliness counts. If you have never been one to regularly wash your hands, now is the time to start. You must have clean hands to handle your contact lenses. Before putting in or removing your contact lenses, wash your hands with hot soapy water or pour a disinfectant over them. Be careful to avoid scented or oily soaps that might cling to the surface of the lenses. It is also wise to avoid products that contain lanolin or moisturizers.
Wash daily. You should wash the lens case that you use to store your lenses every day. Be sure you squirt enough disinfectant solution in the case to cover it before inserting them.
Check it out. If your lenses are inserted correctly, you should not feel anything on your eyes. But there are plenty of foreign objects that can come between your eye and your contact lens – such as an eyelash, dust, debris or a hair. You could also be feeling a torn lens. If you experience irritation, the first rule is not to rub your eye as this will only irritate it more. Remove your lens, wash it and try reinserting it.
Down the drain. When inserting or removing your contact lenses in the bathroom, there is a chance they could end up circling the drain of the sink. Always cover the drain with a towel or tissue in case you drop a lens.
Makeup first. If you wear eye makeup, such as eyeliner, eye shadow or mascara, be sure to insert your lenses before you apply your makeup. When it comes to choosing makeup, look for non-allergenic products that are less likely to cause problems. You may also find that crème eye shadow is less likely to irritate your eyes than powder shadow. To avoid irritation, never apply eyeliner on the rim between your eyelashes and the eye. Go under the lashes – not on top.
Keep eye drops with you. lenses can definitely dry out your eyes – a situation that can be corrected with an artificial lubricant. Keep a bottle in your desk drawer, in your purse or the glove compartment. You do not want to be caught unprepared.
Inside out. When inserting your lenses, you may accidentally get a lens turned inside out. Some manufacturers have a marking, or brand name, so you can tell the inside from the outside. If not, you can tell by the shape of lens. Place the lens on the tip of your finger. If it forms a simple “U” shape, it is not inside out. If, however, it forms a “U” that flares out at the rim, it is inside out.
Do not sleep in them. There are contact manufacturers that offer you can wear for a week or more without removing. While it is true that these lenses will last that long, it does not mean you should sleep in them. Your eyes will become extremely dry if you sleep with your lenses in your eyes. Also, the eye fluids will build up on the lenses and they can become difficult to clean. Additionally, the contacts will float across your eyes in your sleep and you may lose them.
Check your night vision. When you first start wearing, see how your eyes react at night. If you see halos around oncoming headlights, you might need to wear eyeglasses at night, rather than your contact lenses. Many people have no problem wearing contact lenses and driving at night, but you should test your response to be sure.
Do not share. Never let anyone else wear your contact lenses. They are made according to the shape of your eyes, so they most likely will not correct the vision of others and it could damage your lenses.
Have a pair of glasses for back up. If you develop an infection for whatever reason, you cannot wear your contact lenses. There may also be times when your eyes feel tired. If that is the case, listen to your eyes. Remove your contacts and wear your eyeglasses until your eyes feel well rested.
With the proper care and precautions, contact lenses can improve the quality of your life. But treat them carelessly, and you will wish you had stuck with glasses.