ANSWERS: 1
  • If you are one of the millions of people who wear contact lenses to correct vision problems, you're probably already aware that it's important to keep your contacts clean. But you may not know that all contact lens wearers are at increased risk of corneal infection, according to the Mayo Clinic. To guard against this and other possible eye infections, it's critical that you learn--and follow--the proper steps for contact lens care.

    Reasons for Increased Risk

    Although recent advances in optical technology have led to improvements in contact lens design, most lenses still block the flow of oxygen to the cornea to some degree. The less oxygen the cornea gets, the greater the risk of infection. Other risk factors, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology's EyeSmart website, include reduced tear exchange beneath the lens, the use of extended-wear lenses, environmental factors and poor hygiene. Proper handling and cleaning of your contacts can sharply decrease infection risks.

    Proper Handling of Lenses

    Never handle your contacts until you have first washed your hands with soap and water and dried them with a lint-free towel, recommends the EyeSmart website. Avoid exposing your lenses to water while you're wearing them. Remove them before showering, relaxing in a hot tub or going swimming. Do not rinse or store your contacts in either tap or sterile water, and never attempt to disinfect lenses with rewetting drops or saline solution. Follow your ophthalmologist's suggested schedule for wearing and replacing your contacts.

    Cleaning Soft Lenses

    Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water, dry them and then clean one lens at a time, suggests the AllAboutVision website. Clean the first lens by immersing it in the cleaning solution recommended by your vision professional. Rub the lens with a few drops of solution in the palm of your hand to loosen any traces of cosmetics, buildup produced by the eye or other debris. Follow this with a thorough rinsing to ensure all debris has been washed away. Clean the case between every use. Next, place the freshly cleaned lens in the appropriate compartment of your lens case. Fill the compartment with fresh disinfecting solution. Repeat the process with the second lens.

    Cleaning RGP Lenses

    Today's hard contact lenses represent a significant improvement over older ones and are more properly known as rigid gas-permeable lenses. They allow an increased flow of oxygen to the cornea. AllAboutVision's RGP instructions suggest that you always start the cleaning process with the right lens, but only after thoroughly washing your hands. Remove the lens and put it in the palm of your hand, add a few drops of your doctor-recommended cleaning solution and then rub the lens gently in a back-and-forth motion. Rinse the lens, rub it gently with your index finger and re-rinse it. The cleaned lens then can be put in the appropriate compartment of your freshly cleaned lens case. Then clean the left lens.

    Source:

    MayoClinic.com: Nearsightedness: Contact Lenses: What to Know Before You Buy

    EyeSmart: Caring for Contact Lenses

    AllAboutVision: Caring for Soft Contact Lenses

    More Information:

    EyeCare America: Contact Lenses

    American Optometric Association: Contact Lenses

    FDA: U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Medical Devices: Risks

Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC

Answerbag | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy