For vision correction, contact lenses are a popular alternative to spectacles. They are worn directly on the eye and offer a number of advantages over glasses, such as a wider field of vision and less peripheral distortion.
Commonly contact lenses are typically a safe and reliable method of vision correction, they do carry some risk, particularly if they are not properly cared or mis handled. As medical devices, contact lenses must be worn, cleaned, and stored properly according to manufacturer’s instructions to reduce the risk of eye infections such as Ulcer & microbial keratitis.
Risks of contact lens wear
The most common risk of contact lens wear is eye infection. This can happen if the lenses are not cleaned and stored properly, or if they are worn for too long. Symptoms of an eye infection include redness, pain, swelling, and discharge.
Another risk of contact lens wear is corneal ulcers. These are open lesions on cornea the clear front part of the eye. Bacteria, viruses, or fungus are all potential causes of corneal ulcers. They can also be caused by dry eyes or improper contact lens wear. Symptoms of a corneal ulcer include severe pain, redness, and blurred vision.
In rare cases, contact lens wear can lead to more serious complications, such as keratitis (inflammation of the cornea) and blindness.
How to reduce the risk of contact lens problems
There are a number of things you can do to reduce the risk of contact lens problems:
- Follow your eye doctor’s instructions carefully. This includes cleaning and storing your lenses properly, and replacing them on schedule.
- Wash your hands properly with soap and water before wearing or removing your lenses.
- Dry your hands with a clean tissue or lint-free towel before wearing or removing your lenses.
- Use fresh contact lens solution every day.
- Do not rinse or store your lenses with water.
- Do not sleep in your contact lenses unless they are specifically designed for extended wear.
- Take your contact lenses out if your eyes feel dry or irritated.
- See your eye doctor for regular checkups.
Are contact lenses safe for everyone?
Contact lenses are generally safe for most people. However, there are some people who should not wear contact lenses, such as people with:
- Severe dry eyes
- Eye infections
- Allergies to contact lens materials
- Certain eye conditions, such as corneal ulcers or keratitis
If you are considering wearing contact lenses, be sure to talk to your eye doctor to see if they are right for you.
How to choose the right contact lenses
There are many different types of contact lenses available, so it is important to choose the right ones for your eyes and lifestyle. When choosing contact lenses, your eye doctor will consider your vision prescription, eye health, and tear production.
There are three main types of contact lenses: soft, semi soft and hard. Soft contact lenses are the most popular type of contact lens. They are made of a soft, flexible material which is a combination of rubber and water, that is comfortable to wear. Hard and semi soft contact lenses are less common, but they may be a better option for people with certain eye conditions.
Contact lenses are also available in a variety of wearing schedules, including daily wear, extended wear, and disposable wear.
Daily wear contact lenses are removed and cleaned at the end of each day.
Extended wear contact lenses can be worn for multiple days without being removed.
Disposable contact lenses are replaced on a regular basis, such as daily, weekly, or biweekly.
How to care for your contact lenses
It is important to care for your contact lenses properly to reduce the risk of eye problems. Here are some tips for caring for your contact lenses:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling your lenses.
- Dry your hands with a clean, lint-free towel before handling your lenses.
- Use fresh contact lens solution every day.
- Do not rinse your lenses with water.
- Rub your lenses gently with your fingers to clean them.
- Store your lenses in a clean contact lens case.
- Replace your contact lenses on schedule.
Conclusion
Contact lenses are a safe and effective way to correct vision for most people. However, it is important to follow your eye doctor’s instructions carefully and to care for your contact lenses properly to reduce the risk of eye problems.
Additional tips for safe contact lens wear
- Avoid wearing contact lenses when swimming or showering.
- Do not wear contact lenses if your eyes are red, irritated, or watery.
- Do not use over-the-counter eye drops with your contact lenses unless they are specifically designed for contact lens wear.
- If you experience any problems with your contact lenses, such as pain, redness, or blurred vision, remove your lenses immediately and see your eye doctor.
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Are contact lenses safe to wear everyday?
contact lenses are safe to wear every day, but proper care and cleaning required. Daily disposable contact lenses are safest amongst all contact lenses which reqire no care.
is it better to wear glasses or contact lenses?
Glasses and contacts are two different options for vision correction, each with its own pros and cons. Contact lenses are better for them who have active life style or may be higher power glassesbut they need proper care and handling. While glasses require less care compare to contact lenses.
Can i take 20 minutes nap with contact lenses?
Its not safe to take nap while wearing all contact lenses , it increase the chances of infection. But you can nap in some specialises extended wear lenses prescriped by optometrist or doctor.