Contact lenses are a popular choice for people who don’t want to wear glasses. If you’re thinking about trying contact lenses or have just gotten your first prescription, you might have questions about how to wear them and take care of them. In this easy-to-understand guide, we’ll cover the basics for first-time users and give tips on keeping your eyes and lenses in good shape.
Picking the Right Contact Lenses for You:
Before you start wearing contact lenses, talk to your eye doctor. They’ll check your eyes and recommend the best type of lens based on your prescription, how you live, and any eye problems you might have. There are different kinds of contact lenses, like daily disposable lenses, weekly, or monthly lenses, and special lenses for problems like astigmatism or difficulty reading up close.
Getting Ready to Wear Contact Lenses:
After you get your prescription and choose the best type of lens, your eye doctor will have on hand or order you a trial pair of lenses and show you how to put them in and take them out. This is typically done during a specific contact lens evaluation. Make sure to wash your hands with soap and water before touching your lenses. Your eye doctor might also suggest a certain cleaning solution and tell you how to store your lenses.
Putting in and Taking out Your Contact Lenses:
To put in your contact lenses, do the following:
- Wash your hands well and dry them with a clean towel.
- Take the lens out of its case and check for any dirt or damage.
- Put the lens on the tip of your index finger, making sure it’s not inside out.
- Use your other hand to hold your upper eyelid open while looking up.
- Gently place the lens on your eye and blink slowly to make it stay in place.
To take out your lenses, do the following:
- Wash and dry your hands like before.
- Look up and use your other hand to hold your upper eyelid open.
- Gently pinch the lens between your thumb and index finger, then slide it down and off your eye.
Taking Care of Your Contact Lenses:
- It’s important to take care of your lenses and your eyes. Follow these tips:
- Always clean your lenses with the recommended solution, rubbing them gently to remove any dirt.
- Keep your lenses in a clean case filled with fresh lens solution.
- Change your lens case regularly, at least every three months.
- Don’t use tap water, saliva, or homemade solutions to clean your lenses or case.
Signs That Your Eyes Are Irritated or Infected:
If your eyes get red, itchy, painful, or have discharge, take out your lenses right away and talk to your eye doctor. Wearing your lenses when your eyes are irritated can cause more serious problems or infections.
Switching to contact lenses can be exciting, but you need to take care of them and your eyes. By following the tips in this guide, you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of contact lenses while keeping your eyes healthy. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Louie Eyecare Centre for more information.