Contact lenses can be both a blessing and a curse. While they offer freedom from the hassle of wearing glasses, they can also pose a risk of infection if proper hygiene is not maintained, especially during the monsoon season. According to Dr. Neeraj Sanduja, an ophthalmologist and eye surgeon, contact lens wearers must follow certain measures to ensure eye health.
First and foremost, it is important to keep the storage case of the contact lens clean and disinfected. This helps prevent eye infections when reusing the lenses. Dr. Sanduja advises cleaning the lens case with warm soapy water and thoroughly drying it at least once a week before placing the lenses inside.
Additionally, it is crucial to avoid touching the eyes or the lenses with dirty hands. Our hands come into contact with various germs and dirty surfaces throughout the day, so it is essential to clean them before handling contact lenses.
Swimming with contact lenses should be avoided, as swimming pools can be a breeding ground for infections. Similarly, using tap water while rinsing the face or taking a shower should be avoided when wearing lenses, as it can lead to infections and micro-abrasions on the lenses.
Before going to sleep, always remember to remove the contact lenses. When the eyes are closed during sleep, the cornea is deprived of oxygen from the air, increasing the risk of infection and causing discomfort such as blurred vision, swelling, and eye pain.
If the eyes feel dry, itchy, red, or irritated, it is important to completely avoid wearing contact lenses, as these symptoms may indicate an eye infection.
Overwearing contact lenses beyond the recommended duration can cause corneal injury and keratitis. Therefore, it is crucial to follow the instructions provided by your eye specialist regarding the duration of lens usage.
Regularly replacing contact lenses is essential to prevent chronic eye infections and irritation. Cleaning the lenses regularly is also important, as failure to do so can result in the buildup of proteins, dust, and microbes on the lens, leading to eye infections and chronic problems.
While wearing contact lenses, it is advisable to avoid using eye makeup. If any cosmetic product or face cream comes into contact with the lens, it is important to remove the lens and thoroughly wash the eyes.
In case of any irritation or infection while using contact lenses, it is recommended to immediately contact an eye doctor for proper guidance and treatment.
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