Let it be for fashion or sight correction but the use of contact lenses have become popular and common. You can find various types of contact lenses like soft contact lenses, hard contact lenses, gas permeable contact lenses or colored contact lenses in the market. Though all the above mentioned contact lenses are different from each other but there is one thing common in all types of contact lenses.
Proper cleaning of contact lenses is the most important and common thing shared by all types of contact lenses. Proper cleaning and handling of the contact lenses is essential as it not only increases their longevity but also reduces the risk of various eye infections. You might observe slight difference in the cleaning process according to the type of contact lenses. Common steps and tips followed for the cleaning various types of contact lenses are listed below:
- First and foremost point is to wash your hands with soap before cleaning contact lenses. Proper washing of hands reduces the chances infecting your lenses with various germs.
- It is better to start one by one and make sure that you start with the same eye every time. This will reduce the confusion of mixing up two contact lenses.
- After removing one of the contact lenses place it on the center of your palm. Now on the outer surface of the lens add few drops of the cleaning solution prescribed by your eye doctor.
- With the help of your fingers gently rub the contact lens at least for 1 minute.
- Now with the cleaning solution rinse your contact lens and keep the lens in contact lens case.
- Make sure that you fill the lens case with cleaning solution. Now repeat the same steps for the second contact lens.
- All the above mentioned steps are followed for cleaning both soft and hard contact lenses. The only difference lies is that after cleaning hard contact lens it needs to be rinsed with tap water.
- Remember that the cleaning solution of soft contact lenses might be different from that of hard contact lenses. Hence be careful while getting cleaning solution for your type of contact lenses.
Daily Care Tips for Contact Lens Wearers:
Besides above mentioned cleaning steps there are few other daily care tips for contact lens wearers. Some of the daily care tips are listed below:
- Before going to bed it is advisable to remove your contact lenses.
- At least once in a week sterilize your contact lens case; this will decrease the risk of infection.
- While cleaning your contact lenses avoid applying any kind of body lotion or ointment.
- Make sure that you fill the lens case with cleaning solution before placing contact lens in it. This reduces the chances of damage to your contact lenses.
- Avoid using antibacterial or moisturizing soap for washing your hands prior to cleaning contact lenses as it might increase the chances of infection.
- Make sure that you keep your contact lenses moist.
- While going for swimming avoid wearing contact lenses.
- To avoid contamination of the cleaning solution, never touch the tip of the cleaning solution bottle with hands.
- It is advisable to avoid using permanent or lash building mascara as it might result in certain deposit in the contact lenses.
- It is advisable to use oil free foundation or moisturizer when wearing contact lenses.
- Avoid using sprays containing aerosol near the proximity of contact lenses.
These were some of the essential daily care and cleaning tips for contact lens wearer. In case of any doubt or confusion you can your eye doctor.
