precaution while using contact lenses

Contact lenses are medical devices worn directly on the cornea of the eye. Like eyeglasses, contact lenses help to correct refractive errors and perform this function by adding or subtracting focusing power to the eyes cornea and lens. Contacts provide a safe and effective way to correct vision when used with care and proper supervision. They can offer a good alternative to eyeglasses, depending on your eyes and your lifestyle. Over 24 million people in the United States now wear contact lenses. For certain conditions, contact lenses may be considered medically necessary.

These are the most common type of contact lenses currently prescribed. These lenses are made materials that incorporate water, which makes them soft and flexible and allows oxygen to reach the cornea. 1Daily disposable lenses: Although generally more expensive, they carry a lower infection risk. Two week or monthly disposable lenses: for daily wear. 2Toric contact lenses: Correct moderate astigmatism. Bifocal contact lenses: can be helpful for patients that need reading and distance correction but may not be right for everyone.

These lenses are also known as RGPs. They are rigid or hard lenses made of plastics combined with other materialssuch as silicone and fluoropolymersthat allow oxygen in the air to pass directly through the lens. For this reason, they are called gas permeable.

Dailywear lenses should never be worn as extendedwear lenses. Misuse can lead to temporary and potentially sight threatening damage to the cornea. People who wear any type of lens overnight have a greater chance of developing infections of the cornea. These infections are often due to poor cleaning and lens care. Improper over wearing of contact lenses can result in intolerance, leading to the inability to wear contact lenses.

Gas permeable lenses can potentially scratch the cornea if the lens does not fit properly or if the lens is worn while sleeping. They are also more likely to slide off the cornea and become hidden under the lid. Gas permeable lenses traditionally had a reputation for popping out of the eye. Newer lens designs have minimized the chance of losing a contact even during vigorous exercise.

Gaspermeable lenses and soft extendedwear contacts are the most likely to have protein buildup and cause lensrelated allergies. Protein buildup results in discomfort, blurring, and intolerance to the lenses. Thus, nightly disinfection becomes imperative and you mayneed special cleaning solutions to dissolve the protein.

Most people who need vision correction can wear contact lenses. Among the conditions that might keep you from wearing contact lenses are:1Frequent eye infections. 2Severe allergies. 3Dry eye (improper tear film). 4A work environment that is very dusty or dirty. 5Inability to handle and care for the lenses properly.

Whether or not contact lenses are a good choice for you depends on: 1Individual needs and expectations. 2Patience and motivation during the initial adjustment period to contact lens wear. 3Adhering to contact lens guidelines for wear, disinfecting, and cleaning. 4Diagnosis and treatment of conditions that may prevent contact lens wear.

Contact lenses must be properly cleaned and disinfected when you remove them to kill germs and prevent infections. All contact lens cases should be cleaned daily and it is recommended that you replace your case every three months. Never reuse your contact lens solution. Dispose of contact lens solution in the lens case after each use and let the case air dry. Do not put your lens in your mouth and then in your eye. Never use homemade cleaning solutions as they have been linked to serious eye infections. Any eye drops, even nonprescription ones, can interact with all types of contact lenses. Use the prescribed brand of solution or check with your optometrist before changing brands.

1Wash your hands with soap prior to handling contact lenses or touching your eye.2Do not share your lenses with someone else.3Do not use fashion lenses (nonprescription color lenses) unless they are fitted by an optometrist.4Do not purchase bootleg lenses.5Wear lenses on the schedule prescribed by your optometrist.6Dispose of your lenses at the interval prescribed by your optometrist.