Eye issues are commonly ignored by people when it comes to health, yet many of them can benefit from wearing glasses or contact lenses to correct their vision. An estimated 140 million people globally use contact lenses regularly to see clearly. If you are one of those people, this guide to contact lens care will come in handy.
While contacts provide plenty of benefits, they are not entirely risk-free, and it’s important not to ignore any issues arising from using them. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains that contact lens users who don’t practice healthy habits or care for their contact lenses properly are at risk of germs and infections. That’s because viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites are more likely to invade the eye when contact lenses are not cleaned properly or worn for too long. Thankfully, these complications are avoidable by caring for your contact lenses correctly. That begins with regularly cleaning and disincting them.
Cleaning and disinfecting
Contact lenses collect debris, protein deposits, and other contaminants during wear, which can lead to discomfort and impaired vision. To remove them involves gently rubbing and rinsing off contact lenses after use with appropriate cleaning solutions recommended by eye care professionals.
However, take note that not all contact lens solutions are created equally. There are various solutions from the brand Systane, such as the Ultra Eye Drops, built for dry eye relief, and the Balance Eye Drops, made to restore the natural tear’s lipid layer. Also, the Rewetting Drops from Opti-Free, which are also sold by major retailers, can help prevent protein deposit buildup and small particles.
If you don’t have a particular eye condition, then choosing lens solutions like the Rewetting Drops is usually sufficient for regular cleaning. Otherwise, you can also disinfect your lenses using hydrogen peroxide-based systems, which is usually recommended if you have an allergy to ingredients in multipurpose solutions. In that case, it’s best to consult your eye care provider before making your purchase.
Storage and replacement
To prevent contamination, store contact lenses in a clean, sterile case filled with fresh lens solution when not in use. This wet storage protects the lenses from mechanical damage and contamination, which is why they are generally packed in sealed plastic containers before distribution. In fact, Johnson & Johnson Vision Care even issued a nationwide recall for Acuvue Vita contact lenses in 2021 after being informed of several products that lacked a complete packaging seal. This compromised seal could lead to products becoming unsterile, which is why the company immediately urged any Acuvue patient to replace the product.
This stresses the importance of hygienic storage of contact lenses. The 2021 research published in Optometry and Vision Science further emphasizes the need only to use proper solution to store your contact lenses, and never tap water due to potential contamination from Acanthamoeba. That also means that, ideally, contact lens wearers avoid swimming or showering with lenses and also avoid using wet hands to handle the case or any other supplies. Also, try to replace the case approximately every three months to minimize the risk of bacterial growth.
Contact lenses have expiration dates too, so replace them when that date has passed. Using them beyond their recommended lifespan can compromise vision and increase the risk of eye infections. Adhering to the recommended replacement schedule, whether daily disposable, bi-weekly, or monthly, ensures the lenses retain their optimal fit, comfort, and visual performance.
Proper hygiene practices
While you shouldn’t touch your contacts with hands that are wet with tap water, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t wash your hands thoroughly before inserting or removing your lenses. Use soap and water to clean your hands before drying them with a lint-free towel. Afterward, you may choose to wet your hands with a lens solution to make handling your lenses easier.
It’s also important to avoid touching your lenses or eyes with long nails or other sharp objects that could damage the lenses or cause injury. If you are having trouble inserting or removing your contacts with your fingers, you can try using a contact lens applicator that has been properly disinfected with a solution beforehand.
Follow our guidelines above and consult your eye doctor regularly to monitor your eye health. By prioritizing contact lens care, you ensure that contact lenses remain a safest, effective way to correct vision, which benefits your overall well-being.
Do you wear contact lenses? Any other tips about them to share?
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