Take caution as wearing contact lenses can lead to infection

For those who struggle with low vision, contact lenses or soft lenses are an appealing option given today's lifestyle. In addition to its practicality, it is also more stylish; many individuals use it merely to enhance their appearance because of the variety of lovely hues available.

It turns out that contact lenses might be harmful to eye health, even if they seem quite attractive and useful. Infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and amoeba can arise from negligent use.

As long as they are worn properly, contact lenses are essentially safe to wear. The following advice can help contact lens wearers prevent infection:

• Consult an eye professional for a checkup before deciding to wear contact lenses. Contact lenses can increase the risk of eye injury, hence it is not advisable for patients with a history of allergies, dry eyes, or infections to wear them.
• When putting on and taking off contact lenses, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly to avoid spreading germs. This includes your nails.
• Avoid using tap water or regular water to clean contact lenses; instead, use a specialized solution.
• Make sure the contact lens cleaning fluid is tightly closed to prevent any infectious bacteria from getting inside.
• Before using, give the contact lens storage space a thorough cleaning with antiseptic soap and clean water, followed by a hot water rinse and drying.
• When you go to sleep, take out your contact lenses. If not, the eyes won't get enough oxygen, which makes inflammation easy to develop.
• Don't go past the expiration date. Consider the expiration date when purchasing contact lenses.
• Never use it interchangeably with siblings, family members, or other people. This can raise your risk of contracting a germ infection because viruses, bacteria, or fungi are invisible to the untrained eye.
• In the event that your contact lenses start to hurt, take them out right away and throw them away. If you experience any of the signs of an eye infection—such as red eyes, drainage, blurred vision, or a lump that feels foreign—take out your contact lenses right once.
• If contact lens-related eye issues develop, get your eyes examined by an ophthalmologist right away so that any infections can be treated right away and a solution can be found.
• Glasses should be worn by users as a precaution. As soon as signs of an infection develop, take off your contact lenses and put on spectacles.

To make registration at Hermina Soreang Hospital easier, download the Hermina Mobile Apps app.
 

Reference:

https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/vision-and-vision-correction/contact-lens-care?sso=y accessed in 2015, Contact Lens Care

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/top-10-checklist-contact-lens-wearers-mark-sibley-m-d- accessed in 2015, The top 10 checklists for Contact Lens wearers

https://www.teenvogue.com/story/what-to-know-before-getting-contact-lenses accessed in 2015, Ten Things to Know Before You Get Contact Lenses