subject: Contact Lens Safety Tips [print this page] According to NHS statistics, there are more three million contact lens wearers in the UK. Contact lenses provide another option to glasses that is more convenient - particularly when engaged in sport - and offer more complete sight. For some, the decision to wear contact lenses boils down to vanity; they just prefer themselves without glasses.
But, wearing contact lenses increases the possibility of eye infection because you are putting a foreign item into your eye. If your fingers and lenses are sterile the chance of infection is insignificant, however bad hygiene and flouting of safety procedures is terrible news for your eyes.
To ensure your eyes stay free from infection, bright and healthy follow these simple instructions.
Reusable lenses
Cleanliness and excellent hygiene are especially important for reusable lenses worn daily but replaced monthly. After removing contact lenses you should thoroughly disinfect them. For most people this is achieved in a small storage case filled with saline solution and set aside over night. The solution cleans your lenses and gets rid of any bacteria that could be lurking around.
Never re-use or top up disinfection solution as the bacteria might be left in the liquid and this could lead to infection the subsequent time you put the lenses in your eyes.
Always wash, with soap, and dry your hands totally before and after insertion and removal.
Never leave your contact lenses in for longer than your optometrist recommends.
It's also a good idea to clean the contact lens case; leave it to dry in the open air every day and replace it every month.
Disposable and extended wear contact lenses
Extended wear lenses may be worn continuously, even when you are sleeping, for up to one month. Daily lenses are worn for a day then disposed of. Both types do not require disinfecting mixtures. But, you should still ensure your hands are clean and dry when you insert and remove your lenses.
General tips
Try and have at least one day off a week and wear your glasses instead of contact lenses. You should regularly have your eyes checked over by an optometrist; they will look for infections and assess your overall eye health. If you do see any signs of infection, like redness, gooiness and/or white spots on your eyes you should speak to an optometrist as soon as possible.
