Wearing contact lenses can be freeing, and can even increase the quality of life for the wearer. Many people who wear eyeglasses for vision correction would prefer not to have to wear glasses at all. No matter how stylish and in vogue, glasses can sometimes be a burden to wear and care for, and some wearers just can’t get used to them. Contact lenses can be a welcome relief from eyeglasses and give the wearer self-confidence. However, wearing contact lenses requires a great deal of attention and care.
There are many types of contact lenses to choose from, such as soft lenses, gas permeable, multifocal, toric, disposable, extended wear and more. Contact lenses are actual medical devices, with a fitting and an annual prescription evaluation required by your optometrist. It is important to keep up on your prescription, as it may change over time. You may also need to change your prescription if you switch from one contact lens brand to another. Making sure your contacts are the correct prescription will ensure comfortable eyes and prevent strain and vision problems.
One factor that can determine your enjoyment of wearing contacts is the choice of contact lens solution that you use. Your contacts are really only as good as your contact solution and the care you give them. There are enough contact lens solutions on the market to cover an entire wall at the pharmacy, yet only one might be the right one for you! You’ll want to discuss with your optometrist which solution is the right one to use with your brand of contacts. While it might be tempting to save some pennies and buy a store or generic brand, these often don’t provide the same level of cleaning as a name brand solution formulated specifically for your lenses.
Taking care of your contact lens solution is as important as making sure you’ve been fitted with the correct type of lens for your prescription. Contact lens solution is carefully formulated for use with your specific brand of contact lens. Anything that upsets the concentration of chemicals in your solution can potentially harm your eyes or lenses. To prevent this, make sure to always close the top of your lens solution.
Keep in mind that your eyes are constantly bombarded with dust, dirt, pollutants, organisms and proteins. Be sure to rinse and rub your lenses every day, even if you’re using a ‘no rub’ solution. Make sure to rinse and air-dry your contact lens case to prevent the growth of bacteria, use fresh solution every day and replace your contact lens case every three months. These steps will ensure the best performance from your contact lenses!
You must also keep in mind the type of lenses you’ve purchased-are they extended wear or daily disposable? There are many types to choose from and you’ll want to wear them according to the instructions. If they are for daily use and to be disposed of every night, you shouldn’t wear them for an extended period of time, or wear them at night. Both can be detrimental to your eyes’ health. Contact lenses are FDA approved for wearing a certain length of time. While it seems attractive to save money by wearing contacts longer than they are made for, you risk eye infections, discomfort or serious blinding damage to your eyes. Wear your contacts according to instructions, and you’ll be comfortable and have great vision.
By properly caring for your contact lenses, you can enjoy wearing them much more and be free from eyeglasses!
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Tags: contact lens care, Contact Lenses