A small disc of thin plastic is fitted to your eyeball and, just like
that, the world's fuzzy edges sharpen into focus! Contact lenses bring normal
vision to the nearsighted and farsighted masses. So many of us wear contacts
nowadays, and they've become so supremely easy to wear that we may get a little
lax about taking care of them.
When we fail to properly wear, care for, and clean our contact lenses,
our eyes become more vulnerable to infection. Contact lens wearers, take note
of these 10 moments when you might be putting your eyes at unnecessary risk.
When you handle your lenses: Naturally, this step invites
infection and irritation - you are putting your finger in your eye, after all.
Thoroughly wash your hands before touching your contact lenses or your eyes,
and trim your fingernails short so you don't tear or scratch your lenses. Never
use tap water or saliva to wash your lenses - stick to the contact lens
solution appropriate to your lens type. Ask your eye care professional which
solution is right for you.
When you wear your lenses too long: There's a good
reason why many eye doctors advise against the use of extended-wear contacts.
Contact lenses block oxygen to your eyes. If you wear them overnight or for
longer than prescribed by your eye care professional, you boost your risk of
corneal ulcers that can scar your cornea or even cause blindness.
When you take medications: You would, of course, remove your
lenses before putting in any type of eye-drop medication. But did you know that
certain types of medications can have an impact on your contacts? Taking the
birth control pill boosts estrogen and can make a woman's eyes more sensitive
to her contacts, as well as decreasing tear output and making her eyes drier.
Antihistamines to ease an allergy might also dry out your eyes. Certain types
of acne medication can cause an itchy sensation, and plain old aspirin can
irritate the eyes. Be sure to tell your eye care professional about any
medications you take on a regular basis.
When your solution becomes the problem: Contact lens solutions come in many varieties: some rinse, some clean,
some disinfect, some rewet the eyes or boost tear production, and some
multipurpose formulas do it all. Each of these types of products contains
preservatives that can expire or become irritating to the eyes. Don't use the
solution if it's past its expiration date. Trouble can arise when switching
brands or types of solutions. Even if you stick to the same brand, the
manufacturers may alter the solution, so watch for labels that say things like
"new and improved." Also, never transfer solution into a smaller
container for travel or to carry in your purse - this can increase the risk for
contamination.
When your eyes get too dry: Since contacts cover the surface of
the eye and restrict oxygen, many wearers experience dry eyes now and then. And
the dryness can become even worse in certain situations such as on an airplane,
in a dry climate, while taking antihistamines, or after drinking alcohol. Carry
a bottle of artificial tears or rewetting drops, and be sure to blink often to
keep eyes lubricated.
When you put on makeup: Your makeup bag and vanity table is
filled with possible eye irritants. Never share eye makeup or apply shadows,
mascara, or eyeliner to swollen, red, or infected eyes. Choose water-resistant
mascara instead of waterproof or lash-extending formulas. Opt for water-based
hypoallergenic moisturizers, lotions, and foundations since creamy products can
smudge and film up your lenses. And timing matters, too - if you wear soft
contacts, insert your lenses before you apply makeup. Wearers of rigid
gas-permeable lenses should wait until after. For both types of lenses, remove
your contacts prior to removing makeup.
When you visit the hairdresser: Salons swarm with airborne chemicals
from hairsprays and other products. Either don't wear your contacts to your
next appointment or shield your eyes. Blink more frequently if you're stuck
beneath a hair drier.
When you go outside: Tiny airborne irritants like dust, pollen,
mould, smoke, and pet dander can make their way into your eyes and stick to
your contacts can irritate your eyes. Excessive tearing in reaction to
allergens can make it uncomfortable to wear your contacts. Consider switching
to your glasses on high pollen days or when you know you'll encounter
irritants.
When you take a dip: Sure, it's no fun to dive into the
pool in your glasses. But wearing your contacts into a chlorinated pool or
who-knows-what-infested natural body of water puts your lenses at risk of
contamination. If you can manage it, swim lens-free and wait about an hour
before you put your contacts back in.
When you light up: Smokers know that they put their
health at risk whenever they stoke up a cigarette. But smokers who wear
contacts are at 8 times the risk of developing corneal ulcers than non-smoking
lens wearers.
Consult an eye care professional if you experience symptoms such as hazy
or blurred vision or eye pain, or if you detect signs of an eye infection
including discharge, itching, burning, or sensitivity to light. At the first
sign of infection, remove your contact lenses.
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