The use of contact lenses can offer a practical vision solution for correcting eye defects for those who do not wish to wear glasses. However, some mistakes made during the use of contact lenses can negatively affect eye health. Non-compliance with hygiene rules, improper cleaning of lenses, or exceeding the recommended usage period can cause eye infections and irritation. Therefore, paying attention to the correct usage rules while using contact lenses is important.
What Are the Mistakes Made While Using Contact Lenses?
Mistakes made during the use of contact lenses can negatively affect eye health, and it is important to adhere to usage rules. Here are the common mistakes made when using contact lenses and methods to avoid these mistakes:
1. Putting on and removing lenses without cleaning:
Before using your contact lenses, you should wash your hands and apply the lenses in a hygienic environment. At the same time, you should not neglect to clean and disinfect your lenses after each use.
2. Wearing lenses for too long:
Wearing your contact lenses for longer than the period recommended by your doctor can cause dry eyes, irritation, and infection. Care should be taken not to exceed the recommended usage period.
3. Not regularly replacing the lens case:
Regularly replacing the case in which the lenses are placed prevents the accumulation of bacteria and germs. Therefore, the lens case should be replaced at regular intervals.
4. Letting lenses come into contact with water:
Allowing lenses to come into contact with water can lead to the proliferation of germs on the lens and cause infection. Always use contact lens solution for cleaning or storing your lenses.
5. Not following your eye doctor's recommendations:
Everyone's eye structure is different, and the choice and use of contact lenses should be personalized. By following your doctor's recommendations, you should use contact lenses in a way that does not risk your eye health.
How to Insert Contact Lenses?
The process of inserting contact lenses is a simple and safe application when proper hygiene rules are followed. Before inserting the lens, the hands should be clean, the lens should be properly positioned, and care should be taken not to damage the surface of the eye. Following certain steps while inserting contact lenses can help prevent eye infections and support comfortable use of the lens on the eye surface.
Cleaning the Hands
The first and important step before inserting lenses is to thoroughly clean the hands. Hands should be washed with a non-scented and antibacterial soap for at least 20 seconds and then dried with a paper towel or lint-free cloth. This step should not be neglected, as bacteria on the hands can directly contact the eyes.
Inside-Out Test of the Lens
Place the lens on the tip of your finger and examine it carefully from the side profile. A correctly positioned lens should be in the shape of a smooth and symmetrical hemisphere. If the edges appear curved outward, the lens is inverted. In this case, gently correct the lens. An inverted lens can cause discomfort and blurred vision.
Position Yourself in Front of a Mirror
Inserting the lens while sitting or standing in front of a mirror makes focusing easier. Getting used to starting with the same eye every time before inserting your lens prevents confusion.
Stabilizing the Eyelid
With the index finger of one hand, pull the upper eyelid upward. Gently press down and stabilize the lower eyelid with the middle finger of your other hand. This action prevents blinking and facilitates easy placement of the lens.
Placing the Lens
Carefully and slowly place the lens held on the tip of your index finger directly onto the center of your eyeball. Be sure to keep looking straight ahead during this process. The lens may create a slight moisture sensation when it contacts the eye. Wait a few seconds without blinking to ensure the lens is correctly seated on the eye surface.
Check the Placement
After placing the lens, check if it is properly seated if you experience stinging, burning, or blurred vision in your eye. If the lens is misaligned, gently pull your eyelid upward or sideways to make the lens centered. If the problem persists, it may be necessary to remove the lens and reinsert it.
What Should Be Considered When Using Contact Lenses?
Adhering to hygiene rules while using contact lenses will help protect your eye health and minimize the risk of infection. Here are the hygiene rules to consider when using contact lenses:
- Wash your hands: Always clean your hands with soap and water before inserting or removing contact lenses and dry them thoroughly.
- Keep the lens case clean: Regularly clean and replace the case where you store your lenses. Do not accumulate used solution.
- Store lenses properly: Keep your lenses in the solution and never let them come into contact with water or any other liquid.
- Be cautious with makeup products: Apply your lenses first before applying makeup and ensure your eyes are closed when using spray products.
- Be careful in activities like swimming and sauna: Avoid contact with water with lenses and consider using swimming goggles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to insert contact lenses?
Before inserting contact lenses, wash your hands with soap and dry them. Place the lens on your index finger, gently pull the lower eyelid down, and place the lens directly onto the eye. Blink a few times to ensure the lens is in place.What is the difference between contact lenses and glasses?
Contact lenses conform to the curvature of your eye, expanding the field of view. While doing sports or exercising, contact lenses do not cause discomfort and can provide a wider field of view compared to wearing glasses.
Can you wear makeup while using contact lenses?
Yes, but makeup should be applied after the lenses are inserted, and the lenses should not be on before removing makeup. Water-resistant and fragrance-free makeup products are preferable.
Can a lens get lost in the eye?
No, a contact lens cannot move to the back of the eye. The structure of the eye does not allow this. However, the lens can slide under the eyelid, and gentle eye movements can help reposition it.
