Contact lenses are actually supposed to be worn by people with eye problems. They’re more practical than eyeglasses, and for those who are not confident to wear glasses, contact lenses are the best alternative. However, nowadays contact lenses not only function as visual aid but also as part of their fashion style. It is not surprising that now there are many contact lenses with various colors and models, and you can get them at stores easily without prescriptions.
At a glance, wearing contact lenses seems easy. You only need to stick those lenses to your eyes, and you’re ready to go. But, many people ignore the hygiene aspect in applying and removing contact lenses. It’s a fatal mistake if you wear lenses without taking care of your contact lenses and hands hygiene, as it can lead to serious eye problems.
Last week a story and picture of a woman having eye infection was viral in social media. It came from @tisusilo Instagram page, in which she shared the story behind her eye infection. And as you might guess, it is caused by contact lenses.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BQMhjH7joBH/?taken-by=tisusilo
In her Instagram update, @tisusilo said that she didn’t really care about the hygiene in wearing contact lenses. As the result, her left eye is infected by virulent bacteria, and until now it is still in recovery process. At first, her left eye was red, swollen and sore; and the next day there was a white spot appeared on her pupil. Her left eye currently is currently unable to see. Her optometrist said that her left eye cannot go back to normal with this infection.
On the post she also warned people who wear contact lenses to be always discipline with hygiene, to prevent unwanted infection like she’s having now.
@tisusilo is not the only one who’s got eye infection caused by carelessness in wearing contact lenses. Even an insignificant mistake like not washing your hand before applying contact lenses can cause eye problems, from mild infections to total blindness.
If you are planning to wear contact lenses (or even already wearing now), here are the safety tips that you need to follow:
- It is always better to get your contact lenses from licensed stores appointed by your eye doctor/optometrist. Don’t be tempted to buy cheap contact lenses, because you never know whether the lenses fit your eyes or not.
- Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly before applying and removing your contact lenses. Avoid scented or oily soaps that might adhere to the lens surface. Dry your hand thoroughly with lint-free clean towel.
- Always apply the first contact lens in the same eye, so you’ll avoid the possibility of mixing up lenses for the both eye.
- Before taking the contact lenses up from the lens case, gently shake your lens case containing the storage solution to loosen the contact lenses (should it be stuck). Gently pull the lens with the tongs provided in your lens case, not your finger as you might damage it.
- Make sure that you know the expiration date of your contact lens. Lenses prescribed in a frequent replacement program should be thrown away after the expiration date.
- Never “top off” old solution in your contact lens case. Discard old solution and replace it with fresh solution daily. And when you clean your lenses, always rub them, even if you’re using a “no-rub” solution.
- Never wear your contact lenses to sleep! Always remove them at the end of the day, before showering.
If you’re wearing makeup, these are the tips for safely wearing contact lenses:
- Put your contact lenses on before applying makeup.
- Use only non-allergic makeup. Consult with the beauty consultant before purchasing makeup products, especially eye makeup products.
- Never apply eyeliner between your lashes and your eye (tight-liner). Apply eyeliner only on the portion of your lashes that is well away from your eye (above your lashes).
- To remove eye makeup, wash and dry your hands. Then remove your contact first, and be careful not to bump them into any makeup. Finally, use your eye makeup remover.
Remove your contact lenses immediately if you notice these signs:
- Eye stinging, burning, itching, eye pain
- Redness
- Abnormal feeling or something in the eye
- Excessive watering
- Blurred vision, rainbows or halos around objects
- Sensitivity to light
- Dry eyes, even after re-wetting your eyes.
If the problem persists, contact your doctor immediately to prevent any unwanted infection.
Contact lenses might be more affordable alternative than eyeglasses, but sure it takes time and effort to wear them safely. Regular check-up examinations by your eye care professional are an important part of wearing contact lenses. Your eyes are precious assets in your body, you will never get the replacement for them if they’re damaged. You should never take it easily when it comes to taking care of your eyes.
