Essential Precautions For Wearing Contact Lenses

Essential Care for Your Contact Lenses

Essential Precautions For Wearing Contact Lenses

Contact lenses are used to correct a variety of eye conditions, such as nearsightedness, astigmatism, farsightedness, among others. They can also be used for cosmetic purposes, such as changing eye color.

They are a convenient alternative for people who prefer not to wear glasses, offering greater comfort and freedom.

However, it is crucial to adopt good hygiene habits and care to enjoy the benefits of contact lenses.

In addition, the use of an appropriate contact lens solution is fundamental. Below, we provide important information and tips for you. Check it out!

Types of Contact Lenses

When considering the use of contact lenses for vision correction, there are several types available in the market. It is recommended to consult an ophthalmologist to determine which one is most suitable for your case. Here are some of the main types of contact lenses:

Soft Lenses

Soft contact lenses are available in different variations and can correct nearsightedness, astigmatism, farsightedness, as well as being used for cosmetic purposes.

They can have daily, bi-weekly, monthly, or annual replacement schedules.

Toric soft lenses are used to correct astigmatism, while multifocal lenses are indicated for correcting near and distance vision. For those who want to change eye color, there are cosmetic lenses available, with or without vision correction.

Esthetic lenses are recommended for correcting eye deformities.

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses

Rigid gas permeable contact lenses are made of a firmer material and are indicated for specific cases, such as higher degrees of refractive error or irregularities in the cornea, such as keratoconus, which causes a cone-like shape of the cornea.

Contact Lens Care

Improper use of contact lenses can lead to serious problems, such as infections, allergies, and even vision damage. Therefore, it is essential to adopt proper cleaning, storage, and maintenance practices for your lenses. Here are some tips to help you with these care routines:

Storage

Always store your contact lenses in an appropriate case when you are not wearing them. It is recommended to replace the case every three months to avoid dirt buildup and contamination by microorganisms.

Maintenance

In the case, add a multipurpose contact lens solution that will clean, disinfect, and preserve the lenses. Discard the solution from the case every time you use the lenses and refill it with a fresh amount of solution. Respect the recommended usage time by the manufacturer to ensure the health of your eyes.

Cleaning

Thoroughly cleaning your contact lenses, with or without vision correction, is essential for eye health and proper lens maintenance. Here are some key steps to follow during cleaning:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with running water and soap.
  Dry your hands with a lint-free towel.
  Remove the contact lenses from the case before using them.
  Apply the multipurpose solution to the lenses.
  Gently rub both sides of the lenses to remove any residue.
  Rinse the lenses with the multipurpose solution following the label instructions.
  Place the lens in your eye and repeat the process with the other lens.

To sanitize the case, follow these instructions:

• Open the case and discard all the old contact lens solution.
  Clean the case with the solution and rub it with your fingers.
  Rinse the case with a clean paper towel.
  Refill the case with the multipurpose solution.
  Remove the lenses from your eyes and place them in the case.

Points to Note!

• Always wash your hands thoroughly with running water and soap when handling your contact lenses.
  Never clean the lenses with tap water, saline solution, or any other solution not intended for that purpose.
  Avoid sleeping with your contact lenses.
  Respect the expiration date of the lenses and the products used.
  Put on the lenses before applying makeup.
  Use the lenses moderately.
  If there are any changes or irritation in your eyes, stop using the lenses immediately and consult an ophthalmologist.

How to Insert Contact Lenses?

To learn how to insert contact lenses, it is important to be calm and patient.

First of all, wash your hands thoroughly. Carefully remove the contact lens from the case and start with the eye that you find easier. It is recommended to always start with the same eye to get used to it.

Check if the lens is in the correct position. The edge should be well-rounded; if it is pointing outward, it is inverted.

Place the lens on the index finger of the hand with which you have better coordination, and with the other hand, hold the upper eyelid.

With the other fingers of the hand holding the lens, pull the lower eyelid downward. Look upward and, with great care, place the lens on the eye.

Release the eyelid and blink a few times until the lens is centered. Repeat the process in the other eye.

These are basic care instructions you should follow for your contact lenses.

It is important to always consult your ophthalmologist and clarify any doubts related to the product's usage.

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