There are certain advantages to wearing contact lenses. In addition to the aesthetic aspect, they allow for example to wear any sunglasses, without having to resort to a numbered model. They also offer good peripheral vision, and therefore a wider field of vision than with prescription glasses.
However, it is crucial to adopt good practices when wearing contact lenses, in order to avoid any risk of infection or other inconvenience. So let’s see some basic rules to follow when wearing contact lenses. Once these good habits are adopted, you can wear your lenses in complete peace of mind.
A good hygiene
This is the basics when we handle them. Always remember to rinse your hands well before putting on or taking off your lenses. Also make sure the container is always clean. To do this, do not wash it with tap water, but with a disinfectant solution, which you can find at your optician’s or in a pharmacy. The same is true for lentils, which should not be rinsed with tap water, but only with the appropriate solution.
No lenses in the shower or in the water
Avoid bathing with contact lenses at all costs, whether in the shower, at sea or in the pool. Not only do you risk losing them, but they absorb all the microbes in the water. This direct contact therefore presents a risk of eye irritation, but also of damage to the lens. However, if you still want to keep your contact lenses while swimming, consider using airtight swimming goggles. It is also best to use a disposable model.
Avoid wearing them for a long time
To avoid dry eyes or any form of irritation, it is recommended not to wear contact lenses for too long. On average, you can wear them for 8 to 12 hours. However, avoid sleeping with it because when you sleep, they can indeed cause irritation and keratitis. So, unless recommended by your optician, remember to always remove your lenses before going to bed.
Respect the renewal frequency
When should you replace your contact lenses? Of course, it depends on the model you have chosen. Your ophthalmologist will advise you at the time of acquisition. However, be aware that there are daily lenses, which you will throw away at the end of the day. Then there is the monthly model, which, as the name suggests, can be worn for a month. These are soft contact lenses, made from Hydrogel silicone.
Check if the lens is not upside down
It may sound silly, but sometimes soft lenses end up the wrong way. This can then cause discomfort or even irritation in the eyes. So make sure the lens is facing the right way before wearing it. To do this, there is a very simple trick: put it on your index finger and see if it has the shape of a bowl, with the edges facing up. To be sure, you can also pinch it lightly between your thumb and forefinger. If it folds inwards, it is in the right place.
