Dumping your glasses for contact lenses can warrant some worry. After all, they are not just fancy cosmetic additions – even if you are wearing them for fun.
It’ll interest you to know that the NHS classifies contact lenses under the umbrella of medical devices. So, here is everything you need to know ahead of buying contact lenses.
Do You Need to Wear Contact Lenses?
Seeing an optician is the first thing you should do before purchasing contact lenses. Like you would do with any medication, don’t just go by the recommendation of any Tom, Dick, or Harry, especially if you are a first time wearer of eye correction devices. You need to be armed with the right information.
If you previously used glasses, you’ll likely know the kind of lens you need, since both of them work based on the same refractive-error correction principle. Still, it’s best to see a professional for all your questions and concerns. You might also want to take along your old prescription glasses and leave the eyeliner or mascara at home.
Which Type Of Lens Fits Best With Your Lifestyle?
You need to decide which type of lens suits your lifestyle. After your examination your doctor will likely present a couple of contact lenses to you. However, if you are young and active, disposable lenses are a benefitial option, as it will save you the hassle of daily maintenance. Once you put them in in the morning, you can throw them away at night. This way, you’ll reduce the risk of infection that comes with the possibility of forgetting the maintenance routine.
Althoug if you’re meticulous and highly organised, then the monthly option might not be a bad idea, plus monthly contact lenses UK are easy to get hold of. If you are a fashionista and your contact lenses are simply an addition to your style, you still need to approach usage like it’s for medical reasons. Just because you are wearing them to look fashionable doesn’t put it under a separate class from medical devices.
Caring for Your Contact Lenses
Safety is crucial and that includes when wearing your contact lenses. If you aim to use contact lenses while avoiding infection, then your lens case must be in tip top condition.
You should be ready to rinse with hot water daily before letting it air dry and be prepared to replace your lens case at least every three months. Replacement can aslo help to reduce the risk of infection.
Don’t let your contacts get wet
If you are ready to use contact lenses, note that it’s safer to take your lens out when you want to shower or dip in a pool. Research shows that Acanthamoeba is sometimes present in tap water, hot tubes, pools, and lakes. It’s not visible, so you can never tell.
While this organism can affect people who don’t wear contact lenses, research suggests that the organism sticks to the lens during contact. As such, there’s an increased risk of infection for contact lens wearers. The infection can cause significant damage to your cornea, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Don’t take out your contacts if you fall asleep with them in
Trust us; you will occasionally fall asleep with your contact lenses in. While you may not feel any discomfort when you wake up, avoid taking your lenses out immediately. The eyes are less moist when your eyelids are shut, therefore, you’ll need to lubricate your lens before you take them out.
This way, you’ll reduce friction and avoid abrasions while taking out a dry lens from your eye. Altogether, try to avoid sleeping with your contact lenses in. You may also forget you have them in, and this could cause mild complications if you vigorously rub your eyes with your hands.