7 minutes
Wearing contact lenses is the preferred option for many people. They are more aesthetic and practical. The detail is that many do not know how to place them.
According to the World Health Organization (who), at least 2.2 billion people worldwide have impaired near or distant vision. If you are part of that statistic, you are sure to wear prescription glasses or contact lenses. That is why it is good to know how to put contact lenses.
These instruments are a circular, concave and clear lenses that are placed directly on the eye. The diameter does not exceed one centimeter. Its function is to correct vision problems, among which are myopia, astigmatism, hyperopia and presbyopia.
8 tips for putting on contact lenses
The eyes are very delicate organs that are sensitive to friction.. This requires special care, especially when placing physical treatments such as contact lenses. Take note and apply these suggestions to make the mission a success!
1. Wash your hands and face well
Hygiene measures are essential for the health of your eye system. In this way, your first task is to wash your hands and face very well with mild soap, so they are clean when handling contact lenses. You don’t want them to get dirty or infected with external agents.
In this sense, make sure you don’t have a drop of water on your hands. Dry them completely with a lint-free towel. This way you will get rid of humidity and unwanted debris.
2. Sterilize the lenses
There is a wide variety of special liquids on the market for cleaning these lenses. Buy the one recommended by your ophthalmologist or optician and use it to wash them just before you put them on.
3. Choose an appropriate place
The most ideal place to perform the placement procedure is the bathroom, since it has a mirror. Try not to have children or pets around that could bother you.
4. Put on the lenses before makeup
It is normal that, when trying to insert contact lenses over the eyes, they rub against the eyelashes or eyelids. In the case of women, if they have already put on makeup, they run the risk of mascara, powder, shadow or any other cosmetic residue sticking. For this reason, the most advisable thing is to put them on and put on makeup afterwards.
5. Always start with the same eye
Perhaps you have an identical graduation in both eyes. Otherwise, the best thing is that you start with the same eye on all occasions, both when putting contact lenses in and when removing and storing them. With this habit you will avoid confusion.
6. Try artificial tears
If for any reason your eyes are dry or you feel that it is difficult to insert or remove contact lenses, it is best that you try applying artificial tears. You’ll see how proper lubrication will make the process lighter, as the lens will move more easily.
7. Help yourself with your fingers to open your eyelid and get to work!
This is the decisive moment, but it is not that complicated. With your middle finger, lower your lower eyelid. With the index, raise the upper one (starting from the base of your eyelashes).
Now, your free hand will help you put the lens on with the tip of the index finger; you will see how it adheres just by touching it. As you get closer, look up and place the lens on the cornea, calmly and firmly.
Some prefer to have the lens over the white area of the eye, called sclera, which is less sensitive than the pupil. However, little by little loosen your lids until they are in the natural position.
To finish, blink several times, so that everything is in the right place. The lenses, thanks to their concave shape, will move up to the pupil.
8. Make sure the contact lenses are on the correct side
It is important to verify that your lenses are not upside down. This happens more than you imagine.
How do you know if they are well placed? Very easy: the edges should not protrude outwards; the shape is like a cup.
Mistakes to Avoid When Putting Contact Lenses
Just as there are essential tips for putting in contact lenses, there are also mistakes when putting on contact lenses. Get to know them to avoid them.
Store them in a dry case
A fundamental aspect to keep the lenses in good condition is fill the compartments of the case with a special maintenance solution. In this way, when you take them off, they will rest in this liquid.
Putting on non-lubricated contact lenses
Often times, many people take them out of the case and don’t put their contact lenses in right away. This waste of time causes them to become too dry. Faced with this, the ideal is to submerge them in the cleaning solution for just a few moments.
Clean them with saliva
As you read it: with saliva. Believe it or not, there are those who spit on the lens to clean it up or they suck their fingers before putting them on.
This action has no justification, since far from cleaning, said fluid contains microorganisms that are transferred to nothing more and nothing less than the eyes. This could lead to infectious keratitis.
Wearing disposable contact lenses more than once
If you look at the expiration date on food, why not do it with your glasses? The reality is that this is a very common mistake. If it is daily lenses, you should throw them away after the first use.
On the other hand, if they are reusable, they are designed to last longer. But the golden rule is to respect its useful life.
Like the toothbrush or underwear, contact lenses are personal and non-transferable. Sharing them with someone else is prohibited.
Wear them when you shouldn’t
During walks to the beach or the pool you should not wear glasses, since you will be exposed to contamination by bacteria present in the water. Also, depending on the type you use them, you are not allowed to bathe or sleep with them.
On the other hand, they are not recommended for pregnant women (from 3 months), people with allergies or who work in dusty environments. If you are preparing for a medical check-up, stop using them for 2 days before your appointment.
Are contact lenses better?
It all depends on the taste and condition of each person. Opinions are endless: many choose the traditional way of glasses, others opt for laser surgery to solve their visual problem. But a third group find a practical and aesthetic solution in contact lenses.
Remember to visit your ophthalmologist to examine you, determine your prescription and offer you all the details you need to know before buying contact lenses. Some are soft and rigid, for one visual impairment or another. Make the best choice and use them as we teach you!
It might interest you …