“Mastering the Dos and Don’ts of Contact Lens Wear: Expert Insights Unveiled”

Contact lenses offer comfort and clear vision, making them a life-changing option for many. However, wearing contact lenses requires responsible usage. 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 priority. Dr Sharma advises washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your lenses to prevent dirt and harmful germs from entering your eyes.

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

Using approved cleaning solutions is equally important. Dr Sharma emphasizes the need to rely on solutions approved by your eye care specialist to ensure compatibility with your lenses and protect your ocular health.

Don’t forget about maintaining clean storage cases for your contact lenses. 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 both your lenses and your eyes.

There are also some don’ts when it comes to wearing contact lenses. Dr Sharma advises against swimming with lenses on, as water can introduce harmful microorganisms that may lead to infections and discomfort.

Sleeping with lenses should also be avoided whenever possible, as it restricts the much-needed oxygen supply to the cornea. However, extended-wear lenses designed for overnight use are an exception. It’s important 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, certain eye drops may not be suitable for use over contact lenses, so consulting your eye care specialist is essential.

When it comes to applying eye makeup, Dr Sharma advises against doing so after inserting your lenses to prevent makeup particles from getting trapped beneath the lenses and causing irritation. Applying makeup before putting in your lenses can help avoid 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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