3 Contact Lens Tips For Better Eye Health
Contact lenses provide a viable alternative to glasses, but it's important to follow all safety precautions to ensure the continued health of your eyes. While most contact lens wearers know that the lenses require proper cleaning and storage, there are other safety and hygiene tips that can also increase the comfort of lens wear. The following are just a few of these tips.
Tip #1: Get a Professional Fitting
More people are ordering lenses online because if the cost savings. While this is a legitimate alternative to buying them directly from your eye doctor, it's vital that you still have regular check ups. Request a contact lens exam, even if it costs more than a regular glasses exam. These differ from regular exams because your eyes will be measured for lens fit. You may also want to schedule a quick appointment after lens arrival to make sure the fit is correct.
Tip #2: Protect Your Eyes From Moisture
It's generally a good idea to avoid water in the eyes. While shower water is from a municipal source and unlikely to contain harmful microbes or germs, soap residue can get into your eyes and cause irritation. Put contacts in after showering to avoid this.
Swimming is a different concern, since both pools and lakes can harbor plenty of harmful bacteria and micro organisms. The absolute best choice is to skip contacts all together, since you don't want to trap any of these nasties against the eye underneath your lens. If this isn't an option, wear swim giggles and thoroughly clean your lenses afterward.
Tip #3: Follow Proper Hygiene Rituals
Daily hygiene is the best way to avoid problems. Rinse and clean your contact case daily, and give it a thorough scrub and disinfect it weekly; running it through the dishwasher is a great way to make sure it's clean.
When removing your lenses, wash your hands first. Rub each lens gently with your fingers and a disinfecting wash, not just plain saline solution. You may also want to soak them overnight once a week in an enzyme cleaner to further ensure they are clean. Each morning before putting on your lenses, perform a quick inspection. Check closely around the edges to make sure there are no micro tears or other damage that could result in discomfort. Damaged lenses require immediate replacement.
Talk to a local eye doctor if you have any questions about your lenses. Click here to learn more.
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