INCORRECT CONTACT LENSES WEAR CAN CAUSE POTENTIAL HAZARDS!!!

Contact lens wearers can experience a range of conditions that range from allergic reactions to potentially dangerous infections

The most common symptoms of wrong use of contact lenses is irritation of the eyes, photophobia, redness or blurred vision. These can be caused by the lenses wearing out or warping, a change in the eyes requiring new lenses, poor fitting of the lenses, poor care of the lenses, or sensitivity to solutions. . It's also common for contact lens wearers to experience dry eye, a condition that is equally uncomfortable causing irritated dry eyes. These relatively minor inconveniences must be evaluated because they may signal the onset of corneal ulcers and deeper infection.

There are a few DO’S and DONT’S for safe use of contact lenses -

Do’s

• Get regular eye exams to assure the continued health of your eyes.
• Always have a back-up pair of glasses.
• To avoid getting your lenses mixed up, always apply and remove in the same order.
• Always follow the directions of your eye care professional and all labeling instruction for proper use of contact lenses and lens care products.
• Always wash your hands before handling contact lenses. This will reduce your risk of getting an infection.
• Clean, rinse and air-dry your lens case each time lenses are removed. Contact lens cases can be a source of bacterial growth.
• Remove the lenses immediately and consult your eye care professional if your eyes become red, irritated, or your vision changes.
• Always ask your eye care professional before using any medicine or using topical eye products, even those you buy without a prescription. Some medicines may affect your vision or irritate your eyes.
• Follow and save the directions that come with your lenses. If you didn’t get a patient information booklet, request one from your eye care professional or look for one on the manufacturer’s website.
• Replace contacts as recommended by your eye care professional. Throw away disposable lenses after recommended wearing period.

Do Not:

• Sleep in daily wear lenses as it decreases the amount of oxygen and may increase chances of infection or irritation.
• Let the tip of solution bottles contact any surface, including your fingers, lenses, or contact lens case.
• Use expired solutions.
• Reuse solutions. After inserting your lenses, empty the remaining solution out of your case, rinse it with warm water, and let it air dry.
• Purchase contact lenses from gas stations, video stores, record shops, or any other vendor not authorized by law to dispense contact lenses. Contact lenses are medical devices that require a prescription.
• Swap contact lens with another person. Swapping provides a way to transfer germs between people. Contact lenses are individually fitted. Incorrectly fitted lenses may cause permanent eye injury, infection and may potentially lead to blindness.
• Swim while wearing contact lenses. There is a risk of eye infection from bacteria in swimming pool water.
• Put your lenses in your mouth to wet them. Saliva is not a sterile solution.
• Use tap water, distilled water or any homemade saline solution. Tap and distilled water have been associated with Acanthamoeba keratitis, a corneal infection that is resistant to treatment and cure.
• Make sure to use sunglasses that block ultraviolet light.
• Trying to extend the wear of lenses beyond the recommended replacement schedule is an invitation to potential disaster.

Redness of the eyes associated with pain, blurred vision, and light sensitivity is more serious and may signal a potentially blinding condition, such as a corneal ulcer due to an infection.

Any change in the condition of the eyes of contact-lens wearers must be evaluated for the cause and possible treatment. Whether or not these eye complaints are due to the contact lenses, they still must be diagnosed and treated.