“Expert Advice: Essential Dos and Don’ts for Wearing Contact Lenses”

Contact lenses offer comfort and clear vision, making them a life-changing option for many. However, wearing contact lenses comes with responsibilities. To shed light on the dos and don’ts of wearing contact lenses, we spoke to Dr Ajay Sharma, Ophthalmologist and Chief Medical Director at EyeQ.

When it comes to wearing contact lenses, hygiene should be a top priority. Dr Sharma emphasizes the importance of washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your lenses. This simple step helps prevent dirt and harmful germs from entering your eyes and causing problems.

Following the replacement schedule provided by your eye doctor is also crucial. Wearing lenses for too long can lead to discomfort, reduce oxygen supply to your cornea, and increase the risk of eye infections.

Choosing approved cleaning solutions for lens cleaning and disinfection is equally important. Dr Sharma advises relying solely on solutions approved by your eye care specialist to ensure compatibility with your lenses and protect your ocular health.

Additionally, maintaining clean storage cases for your contact lenses is essential. Dr Sharma recommends keeping them clean, replacing them as needed, and allowing them to air dry between uses. This prevents the buildup of harmful microorganisms that can affect your lenses and ultimately harm your eyes.

On the other hand, there are certain things you should avoid while wearing contact lenses. Dr Sharma advises against swimming with lenses on, as water can introduce harmful microorganisms to your eyes, leading to infections and discomfort.

Sleeping with lenses should also be avoided whenever possible, as it restricts the much-needed oxygen supply to your cornea. This can result in irritation, redness, and even infection. However, extended-wear lenses designed for overnight use are an exception. It’s crucial to follow your eye care professional’s recommendations for these lenses.

If you have any eye allergies, Dr Sharma suggests discontinuing the use of contact lenses until the allergy is under control. Additionally, some eye drops may not be suitable for use over contact lenses, so it’s important to consult your eye care specialist for guidance on appropriate eye drops.

When it comes to eye makeup, Dr Sharma advises against applying it after inserting your lenses. Makeup particles can get trapped beneath the lenses, causing irritation. Applying makeup before putting in your lenses can help prevent this issue.

By following these dos and don’ts, you can enjoy the benefits of contact lenses while prioritizing your eye health. Regular check-ups with your eye care specialist are also crucial to ensure that your lenses continue to meet your vision needs and maintain the health of your eyes.

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