Contact Lenses: What You Should Know To Keep Your Eyes Healthy

By Brooke Strickland
Writer for FEP International

I have had to wear corrective lenses since I was four years old. I remember my parents letting me pick out my first new pair of glasses. They were bright pink. I thought they were so cool. But once I turned 12, the novelty of wearing glasses started to wear off. I was ready to trade in my spectacles for some contact lenses. And I’ve been wearing them ever since. More than 135 million people around the world use contact lenses on a daily basis to correct their vision problems. They are convenient, comfortable, and are nearly invisible. But they aren’t perfect. They do come with some risks that you should be aware of.

Contacts reduce the amount of oxygen that reaches your cornea, which can often lead to infection. They can often cause dry eyes, eye and eyelid inflammation, and can leave deposits on the lenses which can make them uncomfortable and more likely for infection.
How you care for your eyes and your contacts is very important. Follow some of these dos and don’ts if you wear contacts on a regular basis.

Dos:
* Always wash and dry your hands before handling your contacts.

* If your solution looks discolored, discard it.

* Always rub the solution gently onto the lenses to make sure they are cleaned effectively.

* Replace your contacts as recommended.

* Use makeup that is contact-safe.

* Always take them out at night.

* Discard old lens solution and start fresh every time.

* After your contacts are in, rinse out the case with warm water and let it air out. Replace the case every six months.

Don’ts:
* Do not wash your contacts with water, saliva, or a homemade solution.

* Do not mix contact lens solutions together.

* Do not share your lenses with someone else.

* Do not take your lenses in and out throughout the day.

* Don’t wear any lenses past their expiration date.

It is also important to recognize the warning signs of an eye infection. If left untreated, they can cause serious and sometimes permanent damage to your eye. If you have any of the following signs, be sure to call your eye care professional without hesitation.

* Blurry vision

* Scratchy feeling, discomfort, or pain in your eye

* Discharge of continual tearing

* Swelling

* Redness in your eye that lasts for more than two days

* Itching, burning, or gritty feelings

You only get one set of eyes, so take care of them and follow these contact lens care and handling tips.