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Successful wear of contact lenses is dependent of several
key factors. Most important is the overall health of
the eyes. If your ophthalmologist determines that you
are a candidate for contact lenses, a contact lens fitting
will be scheduled. This is followed by instruction on
insertion and removal. When contact lenses are worn
for the first time there may be an adjustment period
ranging from 1 week to 1 month. During this time the
patient is getting used to the lenses and getting more
comfortable with insertion and removal.
There are several general categories of contact lenses
commonly prescribed:
Soft: These lenses are the most commonly used, as
they are the most comfortable. Conventional soft lenses
last about one year, whereas disposable soft lenses
last from two to four weeks.
Hard: These lenses are not commonly prescribed, since
they are not as comfortable as soft lenses for most
people. Sometimes they are necessary, especially in
those with high degrees of astigmatism.
Miscellaneous: These include toric lenses for astigmatism
and bifocal contact lenses, as well as colored contacts.
The following describes some general tips on safe contact
lens wear.
Do's and Dont's:
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Do schedule regular visits as determined by your
ophthalmologist for general eye care.
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Do wash your hands before handling the lenses.
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Do clean your lenses routinely, in general, whenever
they are removed.
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Do clean your lenses ONLY with commercially available
solutions made solely for contact lenses.
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Do remove and clean your lenses daily.
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Do replace your lenses as recommended by your doctor,
because they wear out over time.
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Do remove your lenses if the eye becomes irritated
or red. Call your doctor if the problem persists.
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Don't wear lenses longer than prescribed. Wearing
lenses overnight is discouraged!
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Don't use tap water, homemade saline, distilled
water, or saliva to clean the lenses.
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Don't swim with contact lenses on.
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Don't swap lenses with another person.
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Don't get cosmetic products such as makeup, sprays,
etc. on the lenses
Cleaning contact lenses
All contact lenses need to be routinely cleaned in
order to remove protein and other debris that accumulates
during normal usage. Cleaning should be performed daily
after the lenses have been removed for the day.
Before cleaning the lenses, always wash your hands
to remove debris, detergents, etc. Most lenses may be
cleaned with multipurpose contact lens solutions--there
are several commercially available. Once the lens has
been removed from the eye, rinse with multipurpose solution
to remove large particles. Place a few drops of the
solution on the palm of your hand, then gently rub each
side of the lens in the solution with a clean finger.
The lens may then be placed within the contact lens
case, which is filled with solution. It usually takes
a few hours for the solution to fully clean the lens.
In general, they should be left in solution overnight.
Prior to placing the lens back on to the eye, the lens
should be rinsed with multipurpose contact lens solution.
Enzyme cleaning
In general, most contact lens wearers do not require
enzymatic cleaning, especially those with disposable
lenses. However, some people have excess protein buildup,
which can cause some irritation. These people may need
to use enzyme for their lenses, in addition to cleaning
with multipurpose contact lens solution.
Enzymes generally come in two forms, tablet or drop.
Each brand has its own particular regimen, and the instructions
provided with them should be consulted.
Contact lenses are considered medical devices, and
deserve as much attention and care as other medicines.
By following these few basic rules, contact lenses can
be worn comfortably and safely!
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