Even the slightest bit of carelessness can adversely affect your eye when it comes to lens care. Follow these tips to look after your contact lenses.
Before handling the lens, wash your hands with clean water and oil-free or additive-free soap. Dry your hands with a clean, lint-free cloth.
Use the specific lens solution and rub the lens between the palm of one hand and an index finger for 10 seconds on each side. This removes deposits and micro-organisms and reduces chances of infection.
Do not use tap water to rinse or store the lenses, as this can cause sight-threatening infections.
Discard any lens that has been exposed to water in a swimming pool, a lake, or the ocean. If you are going swimming, keep an extra pair handy.
Wear the lenses only as prescribed.
Do not substitute lens care products unless recommended.
Discard all the leftover solution. Do not reuse it.
Never share contact lenses, especially if they have been worn before.
Wearing the lens overnight increases the likelihood of eye infections.
Get your eyes examined annually unless your doctor reccomends otherwise.
Apply cosmetics after wearing the lenses and remove them after removing the lens. Water-based cosmetics are preferable as they are less likely to damage lenses.
Hairspray and other aerosols may bind to the lens surface. Close your eyes firmly before using a spray.
Do not apply eyeliner along the inside rim of the eyelid, as this can clog the meibomian glands, which help lubricate the eye.
Wear the lenses before using nail care products, as acetone, a common ingredient, can ruin them.
When using shadow, opt for water-based ones instead of cream or powder based.
Avoid fibre mascaras or “lash-extending” mascaras as they produce micro-flakes that settle on the lens.
All eye make-up should be oil-free, fragrance-free and hypoallergenic.
Once a week, disinfect the lens case by placing the opened case in freshly-boiled water for 20 minutes and air-dry it. Replace the case every month.
Always store the cases in a clean, low humidity area.
If any redness, burning, excessive tearing or irritation occurs, remove the lenses immediately and do not wear them until you see the doctor. Eye infections, if left untreated, can lead to temporary or permanent blindness.
The writer is a consultant based in Hyderabad.
