Contact Lenses – 10 Do’s and Don’ts
So, you have decided to finally take the plunge and add a whole new look to 2018…
Contact Lenses!
You walk out of your opticians excited for the new you with no glasses! Drive all the way home knowing when you glance in the rearview mirror, you’ll be without glasses and then you walk through your front door beaming from ear to ear.
However, a couple of hours later you find yourself panicking. Forgetting all the rules. What to do and most definitely what not to do! You forget how to put them in, you struggle to get them out, all the while knowing you have just chopped an onion and forgot to wash your hands – disaster.
At Optikal – One of the best opticians in London, we know it can be a bit overwhelming, going from simply popping on a pair of glasses, to sticking your finger in your eyes and remembering all the other dos and don’ts! But don’t despair! Here are our top 10 do’s and don’ts for contact lens wearers that should make your transition to contact lenses much easier. If you are a regular contact lens wearer then think of this blog as a checklist of all the things you should/shouldn’t be doing.
1. DO Get Regular Check-Ups
Unlike glasses, contact lenses sit inside of the eye which means you could be prone to more infections due to the lack of hygiene or simply irritation in the eye. Making sure you regularly visit the opticians as advised by your optometrist or when you start to see a change in your eye can counteract and avoid unnecessary issues.
2. DON’T Use Water to Clean Your Contact Lenses
Other than the solution provided to you by an eye care specialist when you received your contact lenses, no other solution or water substance should be used to store your contact lenses or to keep them clean. Even if your friends/family suggest a solution that has worked for them, always stick to what you have been given as this has been professionally supplied to suit your eyes and your lenses.
3. DO Consult A Professional If You See Any Changes In Your Eyes
No matter how small the symptom might be, do seek immediate help from an eye care professional as soon as you experience a change. You may save yourself a lot of hassle and/or even your sight.
4. DON’T Wear Your Contact Lenses If They Are Dirty, Ripped or Damaged
Wearing contact lenses when they are damaged or dirty can result in poor eye health and severe consequences. When in doubt, pop your glasses on and ask a professional.
5. DO Put Your Lenses in Before Applying Makeup
To avoid transferring makeup to your lenses as you put them in, make sure you pop them in before you do your makeup – and just think how much easier it will be to get that perfect eyeliner ‘wing’ if you can actually see what you’re doing.
6. DON’T Use Eye Drops That Haven’t Been Approved by Your Optician
Each and every individual has different lifestyles and needs which is the same for the eyes. You may have the same prescription as somebody else but that does not mean their way will work for you. If you feel like you need eye drops to help with hydration, book an appointment with your optician and ask for their opinion on best practice.
7. DO Stick to The Duration You Have Been Advised to Wear Your Contact Lenses
Your eye care specialist may require you to wear your contact lenses for a particular amount of time per day depending on your eye health and condition. Do stick to these time frames and do not exceed the time allocated to avoid issues that could occur with long lens use.
8. DON’T Share Your Lenses with Anybody Else
Although someone may have the same prescription as you, do not share contact lenses. Doing so could result in catastrophic consequences for you and the other person. Avoid at all costs!
9. DO Wash Your Hands Thoroughly Before Handling Contact Lenses
Wash your hands, pat them dry and handle your contact lenses with care.
10. DON’T Remove Makeup with Your Contact Lenses Still In
Rubbing your eyes and using chemicals from makeup remover solutions can irritate your eyes or cause bacteria to build on your lenses. Always take your contact lenses out before attempting to remove your makeup.
There we have it! 10 simple rules to follow to healthier contact lens usage.
If you are thinking of changing to contact lenses, aren’t happy with your current pair or would like to know more about eye health, please do not hesitate to call us today on 020 8209 1231 or book an appointment to speak to one of our experts today.