With an estimated four million wearers in the UK, contact lenses are a convenient alternative to glasses, offering users a lightweight and discreet way to keep their eyes happy and healthy. But for your contact lenses to be effective, they need to be worn and cared for properly. We take a peek at some of the big do’s and don’ts in the world of contact lenses.
Do:
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Follow your optician’s advice
Your lenses have been prescribed for you and need to be worn as directed by your eye specialist, this can be your optician or guided by the supplier you purchase from, such as Pure Optical. Following your optician’s advice will also help to protect your new lenses and ensure you are not risking your own eye health.
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Wash your hands before handling, inserting or removing your contact lenses
It’s essential that you wash your hands thoroughly to keep your eyes hygienically clean. Using a fragrance-free soap and drying your hands on a lint-free cloth will prevent any potential infection-causing germs, debris or irritants from transferring onto your eye.
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Store your lenses properly
When not being worn, your contact lenses need to be cleansed after removal and stored safely, using an appropriate solution. You also need to use a fresh cleaning solution every time, and thoroughly clean your lens storage case in warm, soapy water once a week to avoid any bacteria building up. You can get your lens and storage from www.contactlenses.co.uk.
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Remove them before you go to bed
Your lenses were not designed to be worn for excessive amounts of time, and ideally for no longer than eight hours so sleeping in them is a no-no. Your lenses need you to regularly blink to keep them moist and clean so sleeping in them can cause you problems with dryness and also make you more prone to eye infections.
Don’t:
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Keep wearing your lenses if your eyes are irritated
Red, sore, burning or uncomfortable eyes are a sign that your eyes are not happy and if left unresolved could lead to further irritation and potential infection. Also, avoid rubbing your eyes when wearing your contacts. Removing your lenses and wearing your glasses will help your eyes have calmed down but if the irritation persists, seek professional advice.
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Mix up your right and left lenses
Each of your eyes will have its own prescription lenses and they shouldn’t be switched. Using a clearly marked ‘left and right’ lens case and getting into the habit of putting your lens into the same eye first each time can help you avoid any mix up.
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Use tap water to clean your lenses
Water contains bacteria which could leave your eyes prone to infection, as can your own saliva. Over ever use cleaning solution, specifically formulated for contact lenses and never re-use it.
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Wear your lenses when swimming, showering or bathing
Your contact lenses are delicate, as are your eyes and you don’t want to run the risk of contamination. Water carries minute bacteria which can lead to problems, including infections in your eye. Always remove your contacts before entering the water.
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Miss your next eye appointment
Seeing your eye specialist regularly will enable to maintain your eye health and also ensure you are wearing the correct lens prescription as it can change over time. And your eyes are extremely precious, so never be tempted to skip that next follow up.
Related Videos about Big Do’s and Don’ts in The World of Contact Lenses :
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ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CONTACT LENSES