How to Care for Your Contact Lenses

Glasses can be cumbersome. They fog up in the winter time. They slide down one’s face in the summer time. They get in the way when one is trying to swim or play sports. One could have vision correction surgery to free one’s self from glasses or one could consider contact lenses. Contact lenses allow the wearer to be free from glasses without permanently altering the shape of one’s cornea.

If one is considering contact lenses it will be necessary to make an appointment with an eye care professional. An eye doctor will be able to determine which type and brand of contact lenses are best for each individual. An eye doctor will also take proper measurements of the eye. During a contact lens fitting an eye care profession will ensure that the chosen contact lens fits properly.

First time wearers of contact lenses will also be given instructions on how to put in contact lenses and how to remove contact lenses. When learning how to put on contact lenses, one should always remember to wash one’s hands before handling the lenses. The next step in the process is to rinse the lens with saline solution and visually inspect the lens to be sure it is right side out. Soft contact lenses can flip inside out. Place the lens on the top of the index finger of the right hand (if right handed). Using the left hand, pull up on the upper lid of the first eye. While looking up, pull down on the lower lid of the first eye using the middle finger of the right hand. Gently place the lens toward the bottom of the eye. Slowly begin to look down and gently release the lids. Close the eye for a moment. Use the index finger to secure and center the lens on the eye by patting the lid. Finally, open the eye. Repeat this process for the left eye.

Learning how to remove a contact lens is also part of a contact lens consultation. One way of removing a soft contact lens is to gently pull down on the lower lid of the right eye using one’s left hand. Using the index and middle finger of the right hand, gently pinch the sides of the lens together and remove from the eye. Repeat this process with the left eye.

While most people find wearing contact lenses an easy thing to do, some do experience contact lenses problems. Most contact lenses related problems are due to over wear, poor lens hygiene, sensitivity to the lens itself, or a poor fit. Some wearers may experience red, itchy eyes. If this occurs limit or discontinue contact lens use. More serious conditions include corneal ulcerations, tight lens syndrome, and corneal war page. These conditions need to be diagnosed and treated by an eye care professional. Other contact lens discomfort can be cause by contact lenses damage. Soft contact lenses are made of a gel like plastic. Soft contact lenses are susceptible to tearing. A tear in a contact lens can cause discomfort for the wearer. If this occurs, the lens needs to be replaced. Protein deposit build up on a lens can also be uncomfortable and irritating. The use of disposable contacts helps eliminate this problem.

If one is looking to be free of glasses, consider the use of contact lenses. A visit to an eye care professional will be necessary to get started, but with proper care and hygiene contact lenses can help change the way one sees the world.