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Contact lenses are a great way to see clearly without glasses. For style, they can change the appearance of your eyes with different colors or shapes. But contact lenses can be risky. You can hurt your eyes or get an infection if you do not use them properly. So how can you use your contact lenses safely and smartly? Here are some tips for newbies and pros alike.

 

 

Choose the Right Type of Contact Lenses

Several contact lenses are available, depending on what you want and need. Soft lenses are flexible and comfortable. You can get them in daily disposable, extended-wear disposable, toric, or bifocal options. 

Hard lenses are more rigid and may give you sharper vision. Also called gas-permeable lenses, they may suit people with severe astigmatism or allergies.
Your eye doctor will recommend the right lenses. They will check your eyes and give you a prescription.

 

 

How to Put In and Take Out Your Contact Lenses

It may be tricky to put in and remove your contact lenses at first, but you will learn with practice. First, wash and dry your hands before opening your contact lens case or package. 

Keep the other eye closed and slide one lens into your nondominant hand’s palm. Rinse it with a contact solution and place the lens on your dominant hand’s finger. Check that it is not damaged and right side up and the edge forms a bowl. Flip it if it is inside out. 

Hold your eyelids open with your fingers. Using a magnifying mirror, look forward or up. Place the lens in your eye and close it slowly and let the lens settle. It should feel comfortable, and you should see clearly. If not, take it out, rinse it, and try again before repeating with your other eye.

To remove them, wash and dry your hands and hold your eyelids open with your fingers. Pinch the lens with your finger and thumb and take it out.

 

 

Clean and Store Your Contact Lenses Properly

 

To avoid infections and damage, you must clean and store your contact lenses properly. Here are some guidelines:

• Use fresh contact solutions for rinsing, cleaning, disinfecting, and storing. Never use water, saliva, or expired solution.

• Replace the lens case every three months or sooner if it is cracked or dirty. 

• Do not overwear your contact lenses. Follow your eye doctor’s instructions on changing them.

• Only sleep in your contact lenses if they are for overnight wear.

 

 

Other Tips and Guidelines

 

Follow these tips and guidelines to use your contact lenses safely and comfortably:

• Have backup glasses in case of loss, damage, or break.

• Avoid wearing contact lenses if you have red eyes, irritation, pain, discharge, or infection signs. 

• Wear sunglasses or UV-blocking contact lenses outdoors to protect your eyes from UV rays.

• Be careful with makeup or hair products around your eyes. Avoid getting anything on your contact lenses or in your eyes.

• Keep a contact lens kit with you when you travel or go out. 

 

Conclusion

Contact lenses can be a convenient and fun way to improve your vision and appearance. But they also require proper usage, care, and maintenance. These tips will help you use your contact lenses safely and comfortably.

For more on contact lenses, visit Super Optical Express at our Gainesville, Florida office. Call 352-702-9700 to schedule an appointment today.​​​​​​​