If you need to wear corrective eyewear and are interested in learning about contact lenses, it’s important to understand what wearing them entails. From learning how to wear them to cleaning them carefully, the right steps can make all the difference to your comfort. Here’s what you should know.

Your Guide to Contact Lenses

What is the best way to wear them?

Your eye doctor will go over the best practices for wear during your first appointment. There are several steps that you must take before you even touch your contact lenses, though. The first and most important is to wash your hands thoroughly to prevent getting germs in your eyes and potentially contracting an infection. You will then position a clean lens on your pointer finger, use both hands to spread your eye wide open, then place the lens on the white part of your eye. Blink to help adjust it to the center.

Is it possible for them to get lost in the eye?

It’s very rare, but occasionally the lens may migrate beneath your upper eyelid if you rub it especially vigorously. While this can be momentarily alarming, it’s important to remember that the lens is not permanently stuck or even lost. It may require some work to dislodge, however. Try adding some rewetting drops to your eye, then close tightly and dart your eyes back and forth. In some cases, just waiting a little while is enough for the lens to find its way back down.

Is it safe to use water on them?

Always use new solution whenever you clean your lenses and when you place them back in the case. Never use water on your contacts as the liquid can cause lenses to swell up and even change structure and shape. When the contacts are damaged, they can cause discomfort if you try to put them on.

Is it safe to sleep with lenses?

You shouldn’t sleep with your lenses in your eyes, even if the packaging claims that they’re safe to wear for extended periods. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), this could raise your chances of developing an eye infection by up to eight times. Doing so could cause significant discomfort and dryness, and in very serious cases may lead to a corneal infection that impacts your vision.
 

Are you interested in learning more about contact lenses? Turn to Comprehensive Eye Care in Franklin County, MO. The eye doctors offer a variety of services, including comprehensive exams, eye surgery, and treatments for conditions such as dry eye and glaucoma. Visit them online for more information, or call (636) 390-3999 to schedule an appointment.