November 6, 2008
Contact Lens Care: A Primer
To enjoy the interplay of mind-blowing colors and shapes in your life you need to have good eyesight. It is unfortunate that so many people either have congenital vision defects or develop vision defects later in life. These vision defects severely damage the visual appeal of the prettiest scenes. No wonder why, for centuries men and women have tried many things to overcome these vision defects. A tried and tested aid, spectacles help people overcome the defects but reduce freedom of physical movement and look cumbersome. Lenses can also be used provided you use contact lens carefully.
Although contact lenses do not impair the ability to move freely nor hamper your visual appeal, you do need to take appropriate contact lens care. Since contact lenses are placed directly on your eyeballs, proper cleanliness is the underlying essence of contact lens care.
The basic principles and guidelines of contact lens care are laid out on the packaging of all lenses. In fact, regulatory authorities have made it compulsory for all contact lens manufacturers to provide these guidelines to the customer to avoid mishaps.
When you wish to put on lenses, ensure that you have clean hands. Wash your hands thoroughly with a mild soap or hand wash and dry them. Pick up each lens with the tip of your finger without putting too much pressure. Be patient and avoid touching the lens with your nails to avoid damage to the lens.
When you buy contact lenses after obtaining contact lenses prescription from your eye doctor, you will observe that the contact lenses are delivered in specially designed plastic contact lens cases. When you wish to remove the contact lenses, make it a point to remove them gently and return them to the contact lens cases. This avoids loss of moisture that will otherwise lead to hardening of contact lenses.
Note that the casing is filled with a special solution. Ensure that when you keep the lenses in their cases, they are fully submerged in this solution. You may need to add additional amount of solution from time to time. After placing the lenses in their cases, lock the lids of the cases to avoid dust contamination.
- Carolyn Thompson