So, you don’t have 20/20 vision or you want to change your eye color for the prom – you're not alone – putting in contact lenses may seem overwhelming for the first time. In order to master this sometimes tricky process, consider the following steps to make life much easier:
Before you begin putting in your contacts, don’t forget to grab your contact lens case, solution for soft lenses, and soap.
First, it is very important to wash your hands. When it comes to drying, I suggest air-drying because using a towel can transfer small fibers onto your hands and fingers that can cause issues during the process.
Next, you will open the lens case marked for the right eye and use your index finger to remove the lens. A scooping motion usually does the trick.
Placing the lens on your index finger, gently rinse the contact using your solution. Sometimes, the lens will fold down (which is completely normal). Simply push it back into place using your other index finger. At this time, the lens should appear right side out, meaning the edges of the contact should curve inward and not outward.
When lifting the lens to your eye, you will rely on your middle finger to pull down your lower lid. After placing the contact on your eye, the lower lid is released. Blinking your eye will adjust the contact.
The above process is then completed with the left eye. Once you are done, it is necessary to clean out your contact case and refill with a fresh batch of solution.
The Risk of Infection
While the majority of people have worn their contact lenses with no problems at all, some have faced a slightly increased threat of eye infection. For instance, sleeping with your lenses throughout the night can elevate your risk of eye problems. The risk lessens if you choose contacts made with the latest in lens materials (highly permeable silicone hydrogel) over the traditional extended wear lenses. A particularly low number of infection cases have surfaced due to the use of rigid gas permeable lenses and daily disposables.
Proper Care – A Must!
Above all else, proper care of lenses is a must in order to maintain safety. Dirty storage cases are also common culprits behind eye infections, as wearers need to keep in mind that both contacts and storage cases need routine cleansing. To cut down on the risk of infection that comes with reusable lenses, disinfection is essential.
Upon removing your contacts, it is important to disinfect the lenses to prevent a buildup of damaging organisms that tend to form on the lens. Beyond rinsing contacts, additional cleaning techniques are sometimes required, such as rubbing. Soaking the lenses in their storage case for a certain amount of time is also necessary. A common mistake that contact wearers will make is reusing their disinfecting solution. Always toss away old solution and replace with a fresh batch every time you store away your lenses.
Overall, if your eyes look good, feel good, and you are able to see well with your contacts in – you are well on your way to an infection-free day.
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