SAY ‘EYE DO’ TO CONTACT LENS CARE
25th May 2011 by Cataracts No CommentsContact lenses have been a godsend to millions of people because they’re comfy, easy to wear, convenient and they look great, but they do require some TLC when it comes to looking after them. The following tips on how to care for your contact lenes will be useful if you’re a new wearer – or if you’re having a bit of eye discomfort from your lenses.
Basically, there are three types of contact lenses, hard (which are hardly used anymore), soft and rigid gas permeable lenses.
The majority of people prefer soft contacts as they are comfy, easy to use and less likely to trap dust, eyelashes and other foreign material under the lens . However, as a Perth contact lens professional, Student Contact Lenses, points out, soft lenses are a hydrogel-type product and are prone to contamination – so they have to be cleaned and looked after carefully.
Protein and oil deposits can form on the lenses through normal wear. If these aren’t cleaned off regularly, then the lenses can harden. Regular cleaning with products that are recommended by the optician will prevent this from happening
Before handling your contact lenses, make sure your hands are spotless. After washing (preferably with a mild soap), either air dry or use a lint-free towel.
If you wear make-up, it’s best to put your lenses in before you apply any products and remove make-up before taking your lenses out. Powder eye shadows, foundations and mascaras containing lash-building additives are more likely to cause irritation than cream or liquid gel make-up.
And whilst make-up that contains glitter may be the coolest fashion, it’s not so cool when the little shiny bits get into your eyes … so take care with the make-up bling!
Never ever lick your lenses or use saliva or tap water to clean them as this can cause infection – rather use the recommended solution and cleaning regime. When it comes to the solution, always check the expiry date, never re-use solution and discard any unused solution, say the Perth lens specialists.
Don’t use any eye drops or medication when your contact lenses are in your eyes as the medication and preservatives contained in these can be absorbed into the lens, causing irritation, discolouration of the lens and possibly reduce the effectiveness of the lens.
Contact lenses can change people’s lives – but they do require a cleaning and care regime that brings out the best in them … and in you!
