As important as getting the prescription contact lenses, is taking care of your eye contact lenses for proper vision as well as to prevent any untoward damage to your eye in the long run. Let us first see why contact lens care is so important. Like all synthetic material, your eye contact lenses are also subject to a buildup of microorganisms and deposits. You need to remove these deposits on a daily basis, in absence of which this debris can build up on the lens surface. This in turn means an increased risk of contamination, resulting in reduction of comfort and vision.
Cleansing and disinfecting are important to kill microorganisms responsible for eye infections. They must be stored in solutions approved for contact lens storage by eye care practitioners. For extra comfort, you can use re-wetting drops to alleviate symptoms of lens dryness. Similarly, proper lens case cleaning and frequently replacing your case are essential for minimizing the risk of contact lens-related eye infections. You can follow the directions on the packaging insert for detailed instructions on how to cleanse your lenses as well as lens case.
Make sure you thoroughly wash your hands before applying your contact lenses. Make sure you avoid overly scented or oily soaps, especially lanolin products, as these may adhere to the surface of the contact lens. In some cases, the lens might get dry and this might lead to it getting stuck to the bottom of the lens case. Instead of pulling it and tearing it apart, you should just soak it in solution and shake it gently in the lens case. In some time, it will become thoroughly wet again and come lose again. Slide the lens out of its case and into the palm of your hand. Rinse thoroughly with the appropriate contact lens solution.
Make sure to put in your contact lenses before applying make-up. Use only non-allergic makeup that is eye-friendly. This helps to ensure that your eye contact lenses do not get irritated and there is no discomfort while you use them with your make-up on. Use easier options like cream eye shadow rather than powder products. Choose water-based rather than oil-based creams. Apply eyeliner only on the portion of your lashes that is well away from your eye. Similarly, before removing make-up remove your lens to avoid damaging it. Thus, being a contact lens wearer does not need to give up completely on eye makeup.
Using tap water to wash your lens would be disastrous. This is because tap water contains chlorine, minerals and metal particles, which could do irreversible damage to your contact lenses. This may even lead to damage of your eyes if you continue doing it on a regular basis. Even home made saline, distilled or purified water should not be used to rinse your contact lenses. You need to take proper care of your contact lenses with the use of various types of solutions, which are compatible not only with the lens material but also with the eye itself.