Do’s and don’ts of wearing contact lenses
Contact lens wear is one of the most popular ways of correcting refractive error e.g. myopia, hypermetropia and astigmatism.
Safe use includes their correct application onto the eyes and following some basic hygiene rules which are crucial in protecting the eyes and vision. Bad habits relating to contact lens wear can cause serious eye (corneal) infections which could be sight-threatening.
Here is some advice for the safe use of contact lenses:
- DO wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry them fully with a clean towel before applying and removing your contact lenses
- DO place the contact lens on the tip of your index finger and check that it is intact (no chip, tear, crack or warping) and held the right way up before applying it onto your eye
- DO clean your contact lenses daily with the appropriate contact lens solution before applying them and after removing them and store them in a clean contact lens case, replacing the contact lens solution with every use.
- DO follow the contact lens manufacturer’s instructions on duration of use i.e. daily contact lenses should be disposed of following single use
- DO wear your contact lenses before applying make-up and remove them before removing your make-up
- DO keep your contact lens case clean. Once you have worn your contact lenses, discard the remaining solution from the case, clean it and allow it to air dry
- DO replace your contact lens case at least once per month
- DO remove your contact lenses daily. Also, it is advisable to have a break from contact lens wear for at least 1-2 days per week to maintain your cornea’s health by allowing it to receive more oxygen. It is therefore vital to have a pair of up-to-date glasses.
- DO remove your contact lens immediately if you experience any eye pain, irritation, burning sensation, change in vision (e.g. blurred vision) or red eye. Contact your Ophthalmologist for a review and take your contact lenses in their case with you.
- DON’T use your contact lenses or the contact lens solution past their expiry date
- DON’T touch the tip of the contact lens solution’s bottle onto the contact lens, your finger or any other surface
- DON’T share your contact lenses or contact lens case with anyone
- DON’T use water to clean your contact lenses or case
- DON’T use saliva to clean your contact lenses
- DON’T wear contact lenses when swimming in the sea or pool, doing water sports, showering or using the sauna or jacuzzi. Water hosts a plethora of micro-organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and acanthamoeba which can infect and damage the cornea. Even small amounts of water splashed into the eyes can cause serious infections
- DON’T wear contact lenses whilst sleeping. This habit compromises corneal oxygenation and predisposes to corneal ulcers which can become infected and sight-threatening
