How to use contact lenses for the first time?

Hello, my dear friends! I am Dr Ashesh Gala . It’s great to have you here. As an ophthalmologist practising at Netrajyot Eye Care Centre in Mulund, I often come across young professionals who prefer contact lenses over spectacles. Here, I would like to give you a few important tips on the first-time use of contact lenses.

 I understand that contact lenses offer a lot of conveniences and are aesthetically pleasing, but they also require proper care and handling. In this blog, I will guide you through the process of picking a type of contact lens, how to take care of your contacts and your eyes and answer some commonly asked questions related to contact lenses. So, let’s get started!

1. Picking a Type of Contact Lens

When it comes to picking a type of contact lens, there are mainly two types: soft lenses and rigid gas-permeable lenses. Soft lenses are more popular due to their comfort and flexibility. They are available in daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly disposable options. Rigid gas permeable lenses, on the other hand, are made of a harder material and require more time to adjust to. They are more durable and allow oxygen to pass through to the eyes.

It is essential to consult your eye doctor to determine the type of contact lens that suits your needs and lifestyle.

 Some factors to consider while picking a contact lens are:

Prescription: Contact lenses come in different prescriptions, and you must ensure you have the correct one.

Lifestyle: Your lifestyle plays a significant role in deciding the type of contact lens you should go for. If you have an active lifestyle, daily disposable lenses may be a better option.

Allergies: If you have allergies, you need to opt for lenses that are designed to reduce irritation and dryness.

 2. How to take care of your contacts and your eyes?

Always wash your hands before handling your contact lenses.

Taking care of your contact lenses is essential to ensure that your eyes remain healthy. Here are some tips to help you take care of your contacts and your eyes:

Clean your contact lenses daily with a disinfecting solution recommended by your eye doctor.

Replace your contact lens case,as per their schedule.

Do not use water or saliva to clean your contact lenses.

Remove your contact lenses before going swimming or using a hot tub.

Never sleep  with your contact lenses in the eyes

Do not share your contact lenses with anyone.

Visit your eye doctor regularly to ensure that your eyes are healthy and your contact lenses are fitting correctly.

3. Is my contact lens inside out?

It is essential to know whether your contact lens is inside out or not before wearing it.

A simple way to check is to place the lens on the tip of your finger and hold it up to the light.

If the lens forms a “U” shape, it is inside out. If it looks like a bowl, it is the correct way. You can also gently push the edges of the lens up and down. If it resists, then it’s inside out.

 4. Contact lenses and UV light

UV light can harm your eyes, even on cloudy days. It is essential to protect your eyes from UV light while wearing contact lenses.

Most contact lenses come with UV protection; however, they only protect a small portion of your eye.

It is always recommended to wear sunglasses or other UV-protective eyewear in addition to your contact lenses.

 5. Eye makeup and contact lenses

Eye makeup can be used while wearing contact lenses, but you need to be careful. Here are some tips to help you apply makeup while wearing contact lenses:

Put your contact lenses on before applying makeup.

Use water-based makeup.

Do not apply makeup on the inner eyelid or the lash line.

Remove your contact lenses before

Remove your contact lenses before removing your makeup.

Avoid using oil-based makeup remover.

Replace your eye makeup regularly to avoid contamination.

6.  Eye infections 

Eye infections can occur even with proper contact lens care. Here are some tips to help you prevent fungal eye infections:

Always wash your hands before handling your contact lenses.

Use clean and sterile solutions to clean your contact lenses.

Replace your contact lens case as per their schedule.

Do not share your contact lenses with anyone.

Do not wear your contact lenses for longer than recommended.

Remove your contact lenses immediately if you experience any discomfort or symptoms of an eye infection.

7. How to wear contact lenses for the first time?

Removing contact lenses can be tricky. Here are some tips to help you remove your contact lenses:

Always wash your hands before handling your contact lenses.

Look upward and pull down your lower eyelid.

Use your index finger and thumb to pinch the lens gently and remove it.

Repeat the process for the other eye.

Conclusion

 Contact lenses are an excellent option for young working professionals who want to maintain their aesthetic appeal while correcting their vision. However, it is essential to take care of your contacts and your eyes to avoid any complications. Follow the tips provided in this blog and consult your eye doctor if you experience any discomfort or symptoms of an eye infection. Stay safe and keep your eyes healthy!

Have you been taking proper care of your contact lenses and your eyes?