To get the most out of the lenses, it is essential to follow the advice of the specialist and, above all, never let them dry, as they could break
If you are thinking of using contact lenses or lenses to put the prescription glasses aside (or as an accessory), keep in mind the following recommendations. Although it is simple, it also presents its “tricks” to make you last longer while maintaining good eye health.
Remember that before using them you should go to the ophthalmologist who will be in charge of deciding whether you need them or not
Myths and truths about the use of contact lenses
Whether due to ignorance or prejudice, many things are said regarding lenses. Many come to the consultation with the ophthalmologist or optician to find out various questions. Among the most frequent doubts we find:
Can contact lenses get lost behind the eyes?
The truth is that this is physically impossible. This is because there is a thin membrane that covers the eye, connected to the inside of the eyelid, so the lens cannot move beyond it.
Are contact lenses uncomfortable?
On the contrary, they are so comfortable that you will not feel that you are wearing them. The soft lenses fit your cornea and is very simple to get used to them, as well as being easy to install.
Can they get stuck in the eye?
Another falsehood that is worth taking down. Contact lenses are easily removed using the method explained by the professional.
When we fall asleep with the lenses, we watch a lot of television or spend all day with them, it may be more difficult to remove them, but they will never stick to the eye.
Is the care of the lenses complicated?
Not at all, there are practically no problems. They only need a liquid for daily cleaning and a sterile case.
Can they get out of the eye and get lost?
Choosing the right type of contact lens for your vision problem, with the proper curvature and taking good care not to rub your eyes or open them in a pool, you will have no problems.
Are teens allowed to wear contact lenses?
The recommended age to start using them is 13 years, although there are cases of smaller ones. In any case, it is necessary that they know the basic care and be responsible with the lenses.
Can people over 40 wear contact lenses?
In reality, there is no “maximum” age, because they are tailored to the needs of each patient and the graduation they require.
Will I be more vulnerable to eye infections?
Only in cases of an inadequate cleaning routine or poor care of the lenses.
Tips to take care of your contact lenses
Here is a kind of guide for beginners where you will learn the highlights when caring for and keeping your lenses in good condition (created by the American Academy of Ophthalmology )
Hygiene before use of contact lenses
- Before handling contact lenses, you should properly wash your hands with soap and water, rinse well, and dry with a lint-free towel.
- Never rinse or clean your contact lenses with tap or sterile water, always use the special solution that is sold in pharmacies or opticians.
- Do not use moisturizing drops, eye drops or saline solutions to disinfect the lenses, because they are neither effective nor suitable.
Care of the lenses during use
- Avoid contact with water (pool, hot tub or shower) when you have the lenses on and if you are going to bathe or swim, take them off.
- Replace your contact lenses according to the period prescribed by the doctor (approximately 2 years, if there have been no changes in the patient’s prescription ).
- Follow the instructions for cleaning, storing, donning, and removing contact lenses as taught by the vision professional or manufacturer of the various products.
- To clean, gently rub the contact lenses between your thumb and index finger (or greater) with a good amount of cleaning solution.
- Every time you use the case, you must remove the liquid and rinse with a solution, not with tap water. When you have the lenses on, leave the case open to dry. Remember that they can be a great source of bacteria, contamination and infections.
- Do not reuse the cleaning solution, nor transfer the liquid from one case to another, because it can affect sterility and cause eye infection.
- Never fill the case to the top. The lenses should “go down” to the bottom so you can close it properly.
- Pay close attention to the tip of the cleaning liquid bottle, it should not come into contact with any element or surface.
- If you are going to store contact lenses for a long period, follow the optician’s instructions, because the liquid evaporates or is absorbed by the lenses and they can break when they are “dry”.
One last recommendation: Every few months, perform a superior cleaning to remove all the particles that with a simple solution do not disappear.
As you can see, using contact lenses is easier than you thought, as well as comfortable and safe. Check with your trusted ophthalmologist if you want to start wearing them.